"रिश्ता मजबूरी का था, पर एहसास अनजाने से थे,

ख़ामोशियों में भी उनके दिल की बातें सुनने लगे थे।

धीरे-धीरे वो दीवारें भी गिरने लगीं,

जिनसे हम अपने जज़्बात छुपा रहे थे।

वो थोड़े चुप, मैं थोड़ा मुखर,

पर अब दोनों ही एक-दूसरे में सुकून ढूंढने लगे थे।"

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The Target should be completed otherwise I will not update...😛

Avyansh's POV

I pulled her closer, feeling my heart race as I wrapped my arms around her small waist. "If you feel uncomfortable, just tell me right away, okay?" I said softly, trying to reassure her.

She nodded, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. I could see the uncertainty in her eyes; she was so used to keeping her feelings guarded. I moved her t-shirt up slightly, my thumb brushing her side gently. When I felt her stiffen, I paused, watching for her reaction.

"Just breathe," I murmured, my voice calm. "I'm right here."

The silence wrapped around us, only our breaths filling the space. I felt her heartbeat against me, gradually steadying as she settled more comfortably in my arms. "Better?" I asked, searching her gaze for reassurance.

"A little," she replied, her voice soft. It was a small step, but I felt a warmth in knowing she was allowing me in.

"Good," I said with a gentle smile. "Just let me know if you need anything more."

As she relaxed against me, I rested my chin on the top of her head, inhaling the comforting scent of her shampoo. I tightened my grip slightly, ensuring she felt safe and secure. "You don't have to say anything," I added. "Just let yourself relax."

In that moment, everything else faded away. It was just us, sharing a quiet intimacy, a space where she could feel safe and cherished.

Slowly, she drifted off to sleep, her body relaxing against mine. I adjusted her position, allowing her to nestle more comfortably on my chest.

Her soft cheeks pressed against me, and I felt an overwhelming urge to bite them, they were just so cute.

Wait, Avyansh, what are you thinking?

Her arms instinctively wrapped around me, and I could feel her warmth seep into my skin. A sense of protectiveness washed over me. I couldn't help but smile at how vulnerable she looked, completely at ease in my embrace.

I shifted slightly, careful not to wake her, enjoying the peaceful moment. The sound of her gentle breathing was soothing, and it made my heart swell. In that quiet space, I realized how much I cherished these small moments with her.

As I sat there, my thoughts began to wander. She was my responsibility, yes, but there was something deeper brewing between us, something I hadn't fully acknowledged yet.

I glanced down at her peaceful face, feeling a strange mix of affection and admiration. This introverted girl, who usually kept everyone at arm's length, had somehow let me in.

"Just stay like this," I whispered softly, tightening my hold around her. "I've got you."

As I looked down at her, my heart raced at the sight of her little hands instinctively moving upwards to wrap around my neck.

The warmth of her body pressed against mine was intoxicating, and I felt my breath hitch in my throat. The world around us faded away, leaving just the two of us in this intimate cocoon.

She shifted even closer, and I felt her heartbeat synchronize with mine.

The way her chest pressed against me sent a shockwave of awareness through my entire being, stirring emotions I had never allowed myself to confront. It was like she was unraveling a part of me I didn't know existed.

One of her legs wrapped around my torso, drawing her even closer. The weight of her body against mine felt so right, so natural. My arms instinctively tightened around her waist, securing her against me as if I were afraid she might slip away.

Her warmth enveloped me, creating a cocoon of comfort and safety that I never wanted to leave.

But then my gaze fell on her wrist, where the faint scars etched into her skin caught the dim light of the room. A pang of sorrow pierced through me as I traced the lines with my eyes, each mark telling a story of pain and struggle that I had only glimpsed before.

The realization that she had fought battles I could barely comprehend filled me with a mixture of protectiveness and anguish.

"Why do you hide this?" I murmured softly, my voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly would shatter this fragile moment.

I yearned to understand the depths of her pain and the shadows that lingered in her mind. It felt so unfair that someone so beautiful could carry such burdens.

Feeling the gentle rise and fall of her breath against my chest, I couldn't help but reach up and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Apko yai sab akele jhelne ki zaroorat nhi Avantika," I said softly, my heart aching with a longing to ease her suffering. "I'm here."

I wished more than anything that I could be the person she leaned on, the safe haven she could run to when the world felt overwhelming.

I wanted to be the one who could chase away her shadows, who could fill the emptiness she sometimes wore like a cloak.

As she nestled deeper against me, her soft features relaxed in slumber, I felt a surge of affection wash over me. In that moment, I made a silent promise to protect her, to stand by her side, no matter how difficult the journey might be.

I would show her that she was never alone, that I would fight alongside her.

With her arms wrapped around my neck and her body pressed against mine, I felt something shift within me-a resolve to understand, to support, and to love her, scars and all.

As her cheeks swayed against my chest, I couldn't help but feel a deep desire to cherish this moment, to savor the warmth of her presence.

I closed my eyes, letting the calm of the moment envelop me. It felt as if we had created our own little universe, one where nothing else mattered but the two of us.

Morning

"Aaah!"

Thud! The sound echoed through the room as I realized I had fallen out of bed, thanks to a kick from my very own Kung Fu Panda.

"Aaye, humari kamar!" I groaned, clutching my side as I tried to recover from the shock of landing on the floor.

Hearing my voice, she slowly opened her eyes. Her hair fell over her face like a messy curtain, and she pushed it aside, still half-asleep.

When her gaze finally landed on me sprawled on the floor, instead of asking how I ended up there, she tilted her head and asked, "Aap zamin per Kyu laite hue hai?"

I blinked in disbelief, trying to suppress a laugh. "Nahi Nahi hum laite hue nhi..I thought I'd master the art of falling out of bed this morning!"

Her expression was priceless, a mix of confusion and amusement, as she tried to process my ridiculousness.

"You kicked me out of the bed, biwi," I said, still rubbing my back.

"Huh?" she mumbled, suddenly wide awake. She scrambled to get up in a panic, while I slowly tried to rise from the floor.

"Sorry, sorry," she mumbled as she rushed out of bed, but in her haste, she tripped-her hands landing squarely on my chest, pushing me down again.

"Aauchhh!" I groaned, lying flat on the floor for the second time in the span of a minute.

She froze, wide-eyed, looking at me helplessly, while I sighed, trying to hold back a laugh. "Great start to the morning," I muttered, half amused, half in pain.

"Sorry, Avyansh ji. I didn't mean to. Galti se ho raha hai yeh sab," she said softly, her voice filled with genuine concern as she moved to help me up.

I raised my hand, palm facing her. "Nahi, rehne dijiye," I said, my tone controlled but a little stiff. "I can get up myself."

With a small grunt, I pushed myself off the floor, my back still aching from the fall. She stood there awkwardly, fidgeting with the edge of her oversized t-shirt, unsure of what to say next.

We both avoided eye contact, the silence between us growing heavier. I knew she meant well, but my back-well, it had a different opinion.

I tried to shake off the discomfort, standing straight again. "Great... Just what I needed," I muttered under my breath, half-joking, half-annoyed, while she stood there, looking away, a quiet apology still lingering on her lips.

Avantika's POV

Ughh. Kya kar diya humne? Shit.

I glanced at him as he stood there, rubbing his back. His expression was unreadable-typical Avyansh, always calm and collected, but I knew I had messed up.

"I'm sorry again," I mumbled, feeling even more embarrassed. "Abse hum couch pe so jayenge ," I added quickly, trying to escape the awkwardness.

Before he could say anything, I hurried towards the bathroom, not daring to look back. My face felt hot, and I just wanted to disappear for a moment.

During breakfast, as it was Sunday, the house was full. Everyone had already seated, chatting and laughing.

I quietly sat beside Avyansh, my eyes fixed on the table. What if he tells everyone what I did? I didn't do it intentionally, right? But phir bhi...

"Galti humari kaise? Hum toh pehle hi corner mai so rhe the. Inko hi fictional man bankar wo periods wala care karna tha, fir karo... ab jo hogya so hogya," I thought, still feeling the awkwardness from earlier.

"Avantika?" My thoughts were interrupted by Pakhi mummy's voice.

I blinked, looking up at her, realizing I had zoned out completely. "Haan, mummy?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady, though I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks again.

"How's your health?" Pakhi mummy asked, her voice filled with concern.

"It's good," I replied quietly, giving her a small smile.

"Aaj Sunday hai toh kahi bahar chalte hai?" Dev chimed in, sounding excited as usual.

I glanced at Avyansh ji from the corner of my eye, unsure of how to react. Going out? With everyone? My introverted self started to feel a little uneasy at the thought, but I didn't want to seem rude either.

Before I could respond,Anjali mummy smiled. "That sounds like a good idea. Avantika, kya kehti ho?"

I nodded hesitantly, "Thik hai... agar sab ja rhe hai toh."

I just hoped the day would pass smoothly.

"I am not coming," Avyansh ji said, his tone colder than usual as he wiped his lips with a napkin and got up from the table.

"Kyu?" Dadi ji asked, her brows knitting together in concern.

"Mujhe kaam hai thoda. You guys go," he responded flatly, already standing up and leaving the dining area without another glance.

Dadi ji turned towards me, raising an eyebrow as if to ask what was going on. I felt her gaze, but all I could do was shrug, equally confused. I genuinely didn't know what had caused this sudden shift in his mood.

As he walked away, a strange feeling settled in my chest.

After completing breakfast, I made my way back to our room, or rather, his room.

As I rummaged through my wardrobe for something suitable to wear, I remembered Mummy's suggestion to avoid kurti-type outfits since we were planning to visit the zoo.

I finally settled on a white t-shirt and blue denim jeans. Turning around, I noticed Avyansh watching me intently.

"Do you need anything?" I asked, walking toward the dressing table, trying to keep the atmosphere light.

"Nahi," he replied, his voice flat.

"Aap kyu nahi ja rahe? Abhi bhi dard hai?" I inquired, glancing back at him.

"No," he said, his fingers still flying over the keyboard as he focused on his laptop.

"Toh phir?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. He glanced up at me, and I could feel the weight of his gaze.

Realizing I might be crossing a line, I quickly backtracked. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He didn't say anything after that, and I quickly changed, leaving the room in silence.

Why was I even thinking about it? It's just a forced marriage. He was only helping me because I needed it last night, not because he wanted to give this marriage a chance. Honestly, I didn't want that either.

"Ohoo... bhabhi, looking like a swarg se utri hue apsara," Dev exclaimed as soon as he saw me.

I couldn't help but blush at his compliment.

"Wait, we're twinning too," he said, pointing to his outfit-a white shirt and blue jeans, just like mine, with a denim jacket slung over his shoulder.

"Should I change?" I asked, feeling a bit confused.

But before Dev could respond, someone spoke from behind.

"Yes." It was Avyansh ji, his tone flat but his eyes glancing between us.

Dev raised an eyebrow and asked, "Kyu? Bhabhi achi nahi lag rahi kya?" His tone was teasing, and I could see the playful glint in his eyes.

"Nahi," Avyansh replied, his gaze steady. I narrowed my eyes at him, wondering if he was serious or just trying to get under Dev's skin.

He caught my gaze and quickly added, "Tu acha nahi lag raha, tu change karke aa."

"No," Dev said, smirking. "Today Bhabhi and Devar ki Jodi are going to twin."

"Chalo, bacho, late ho jayega phir," Vijay papa chimed in, breaking the moment and ushering us out the door.

I couldn't help but smile at the banter, even as I felt a flutter of nerves about the day ahead.

"Let's go, Bhabhi! Bye, old man!" Dev called out, offering me his elbow with a mischievous grin.

I glanced back at Avyansh ki for a moment, taking in his expression, before turning to walk alongside Dev holding his elbow. Devika joined us soon after, her laughter adding to the lightheartedness of the moment.

"Ready for some adventure, Apsara?" Dev teased, looking over at me as we stepped outside.

I nodded, trying to shake off the nerves that had been building up. Despite everything, a part of me was excited to spend the day out, away from the confines of the house.

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And Chapter 19 is available on Scrollstack!