Outside the building, Akshay opened the SUV door for her.
"Ab kahan?" she asked as she slid into the passenger seat.
"Ek thoda sa drive pe," he replied simply.
She raised an eyebrow. "Mysterious lagne ki koshish kar rahe hain?"
He shut her door, walked around, and took the driver's seat.
The engine started. The city moved around them.
"Kidhar jaa rahe hain?" she repeated once they merged into traffic.
"Ghar."
She turned toward him slowly. "Mera ya aapka?"
"Humara."
Her lips curved faintly. "Confidence dekho."
He did not respond immediately, eyes steady on the road. The dashboard lights cast a muted glow over his profile.
The SUV turned into the familiar lane near the sea-facing cluster of older residential buildings.
"Mahalaxmi Society ...," she read, then stopped.
The vehicle rolled to a stop in front of the entrance.
"This was my childhood home," he said calmly. "Ab kisi aur ke naam pe hai."
She stared at him. "So you're basically renting your own house?"
His mouth twitched slightly. " Well yes, technically."
She leaned back against the seat, crossing her arms. "Tragic hero energy."
He got out without replying and came around to her side. When she stepped out, the breeze caught the loose end of her saree. He reached instinctively to steady it before it tangled in the door.
He opened the trunk of the car and pulled out her 3 suitcases.
The watchman straightened instantly. "Namaste, sir."
Akshay nodded. "Flat ready hai?"
"Ji."
They entered the lift together.
Inside the small mirrored space, their reflection stood side by side for the first time without interruption.
He looked imposing even in silence. She looked luminous in pink.
The lift doors opened as they stepped into the corridor.
Akshay unlocked the apartment door to flat number 8000.
Before he could push it open fully—
"AREY AREY AREY!"
A dramatic voice rang through the hallway.
Nimmi appeared from the adjacent flat, dressed in green silk pyjamas. She held a small brass thali in her hand, the diya already lit.
Behind her stood Abhimanyu, tall, grinning shamelessly. Next to him was Mishti in a soft cotton salwar suit, Pihu clutching her leg and peeking curiously.
"Surprise!" Abhimanyu announced. "Finally shaadi kar hi li tune!"
Nimmi narrowed her eyes dramatically at Akshay. "Humein ek din pehle bataya aur expect kiya ki main welcome prepare na karun? Bilkul pagal ho tum."
Akshay cleared his throat. "Nimmi maasi..."
Mishti's eyes softened as she looked at Aaravi. "Hi, tum thi na uss din.
Akshay ke ghar pe... mujhe nahi pata tha tum dono... she paused taking a breath. ... "I'm Mishti."
Before Aaravi could respond, Akshay's arm slid around her waist.
She stiffened for a split second at the sudden pull.
"Yeh meri wife hai, aur girlfriend usi din se", he said smoothly. "Woh... thoda sa.. Love marriage."
Mishti chuckled. "Us din toh tum usse daant rahe the aur abh seedha shaadi"
The way he said it carried confidence that would convince anyone.
Aaravi turned her head sharply toward him and stepped hard on his foot.
"Pagal ho gaye ho?" she whispered under her breath.
"Smile," he murmured back near her ear. "Convincing lagna chahiye."
His hand tightened slightly at her waist, drawing her closer to his side. The height difference became obvious; she fit almost seamlessly against him, her head barely reaching his shoulder.
She pasted on a bright smile.
"Hi," she said cheerfully. "Main Aaravi."
Nimmi stepped forward, eyes scanning them both.
"Chhupke shaadi?" she demanded dramatically. "Family se darr lagta hai kya?"
Akshay laughed uncomfortably. "Unko shock dena tha."
Mishti smiled knowingly. "Haww kitna Romantic, ekdam Majnu aur Laila vibes."
Akshay leaned slightly toward Aaravi. "Dekha, believable."
She elbowed him subtly.
At that moment, little Pihu stepped forward, hands on her hips.
"Aap Akshu maamu ki wife ho?"
Aaravi crouched instantly, saree pooling around her neatly.
"Haan," she said gently. "Aur tum kaun ho?"
"I'm Pihu," the child declared proudly.
Aaravi grinned, booping her nose. "Mujhe pasand aayi tum."
Pihu studied her carefully. "Main aapko Aaru mami bulaungi."
"Aaru mami?" she repeated, eyes lighting up. "Yeh title mujhe pasand hai."
"Approved."
Nimmi clapped her hands. "Bas bas, entry karo. Gruha pravesh ready hai."
Aaravi blinked. "Abhi?"
"Bilkul abhi. Maha Shivratri ki raat hai. Auspicious time waste nahi karte."
Akshay exhaled under his breath. "Maasi..."
"Chup."
Nimmi placed the brass thali near the doorway. The diya flame flickered steadily. Beside it sat a small kalash filled with rice, a coconut resting atop, red thread tied around its neck. A tiny bowl of kumkum and haldi lay near the edge.
"Pehle right foot se kalash ko halka sa push karna," Nimmi instructed Aaravi. "Rice spill hona chahiye."
Aaravi glanced at Akshay.
He whispered, "Go with it."
She shot him a look.
Nimmi circled the aarti thali in front of them both, rotating it clockwise three times. The warm light flickered across their faces.
"Bhagwan tum dono ko sukh de," she said softly, voice losing its teasing edge for a moment.
She applied a small tilak on Akshay's forehead first, then on Aaravi's.
Aaravi stepped forward and gently nudged the kalash with her right foot. The rice spilled forward across the threshold in a soft cascade.
"Ab andar," Nimmi instructed.
A small steel plate containing red alta paste had been placed just inside. Aaravi dipped her right foot lightly into it and stepped onto a white cloth spread across the floor, leaving red footprints.
Mishti smiled warmly. "Perfect."
As Aaravi completed the ritual steps, she turned toward Akshay.
"Aap bhi aayenge ya main hi sab karun?" she teased.
Inside, the apartment carried the scent of fresh paint and sandalwood incense.
"Yeh sach mein aapka bachpan ka ghar tha?" she asked softly once the others moved toward the living area.
"Haan," he replied. "Yahan bada hua."
Abhimanyu called out, "Photo time!"
Akshay instinctively slid his arm awkwardly around Aaravi's shoulders.
She looked up at him sharply.
He bent slightly toward her ear. "Please."
She forced a radiant smile.
The camera flash went off.
Pihu ran between them suddenly and hugged both their legs.
"Aaru mami, aap yahin rahoge?"
Aaravi looked down at her and then up at Akshay.
"For now," she said lightly.
Aaravi burst into laughter.
"I already like this kid."
Akshay leaned down slightly, voice low enough only for her.
"Overacting kam karo."
She smiled sweetly without looking at him. "Jealous lag rahe ho."
She leaned closer and whispered, "Public display pe fine lagega kya, officer?"
Across the room, Nimmi watched them with satisfaction.
"Dekha," she declared proudly, "love marriage glow alag hota hai."
Aaravi heard that and tilted her head, playing along.
"Bilkul," she said brightly. "Hum toh bahut in love hain, hain na, jaan"
Akshay looked down at her, blushing red, rubbing his neck nervously.
" Hmph", he grunted.
"Arey ruk ruk ruk!" Mishti declared. "Bedroom dekhe bina kaise jaane dein nayi dulhan ko?"
Akshay inhaled slowly.
Aaravi tilted her head, eyes sparkling. "Maasi, aap logon ne mujhe mandir mein chadhane layak bana diya hai ya kisi Karan Johar shoot ho raha hai?"
Abhimanyu snorted. "Bhai, maine bola tha minimal decoration karo. Isne pura shaadi.com ka premium package le liya."
Mishti shot him a look. "Tu chup reh, warna sabko bata dunga ki kaun phoolon ke beech selfie le raha tha."
Mishti adjusted Pihu on her hip and grinned. "Chalo chalo. Dulha-dulhan ko entry do."
They walked toward the bedroom door. Aaravi's bangles chimed softly with each step. Abhimanyu dramatically pushed the bedroom door open.
Rose petals covered the bed in a thick crimson layer. Fairy lights framed the headboard. A ridiculous heart shape made of marigolds hung slightly crooked above the pillows. Scented candles flickered along every possible surface.
Aaravi blinked once.
Then she slowly turned toward Akshay.
"Tumne Amazon pe 'suhaagraat starter pack' search kiya tha kya?"
Abhimanyu doubled over laughing.
Akshay rubbed his forehead. "Maasi ne—"
"Arey main modern hoon, lekin tradition ka aesthetic maintain karna padta hai," Nimmi declared proudly.
Pihu wriggled down and ran toward the bed. "Akshu maamu! Itna saara phool! Yahan fight karoge kya?"
Mishti snorted, snickering towards Abhimanyu, "Haan bed par fight karenge dono"
Abhimnayu grinned, leaning towards her, " Jaise hum karenge?"
Mishti gasped, shocked, smacking his arm hard, " BADTAMEEZ, OBHODRO! NALAYAK, NIRLAJ!"
Aaravi tapped Pihu's nose gently. "Princess, agar fight hui toh main jeetungi. Dekha hai tumhare maamu ko? Itne lambe hain, balance hi bigad jayega."
Akshay leaned down, lowering his voice near her ear. "Aap chup raho, warna yeh log seriously sochenge ki aap mujhe utha ke phek degi."
"Woh toh main kaurngi hi", she gritted
She smiled sweetly at the room while digging her heel into his foo again.
His jaw tightened. "Aaravi."
Abhimanyu narrowed his eyes. "Kya secret chal raha hai wahan?"
Aaravi instantly leaned into Akshay's chest dramatically. "Kuch bhi nahin. Bas mere pati dev mujhe keh rahe the ki unke bina ek second bhi jee nahin paate."
Akshay stared down at her in disbelief, already praying for the ground to bury him whole.
She widened her eyes innocently.
He exhaled, then cupped her cheek in an exaggerated romantic gesture. "Haan Maasi, main toh bas soch raha tha ki itni khoobsurat biwi mil gayi, zindagi safal ho gayi."
Nimmi clasped her hands. "Haiii. Sun rahe ho Abhi? Aise bolte hain."
Abhimanyu gagged theatrically. "Mujhe diabetes ho jayegi."
Mishti chuckled. "Bed sambhal ke. Waise Akshay ne isko online discount mein order kiya tha."
Nimmi nodded gravely. "Haan haan. Delivery wale ne bola tha thoda delicate hai."
Aaravi slowly turned toward the bed. "Delicate?"
Nimmi pointed a warning finger, grinning, "Zyada enthusiasm mein stunt mat karna. Building ke neeche log gossip karte hain."
Nimmi clapped again. "Theek hai bas. Ab hum log nikalte hain. Dulha-dulhan ko privacy do."
Mishti giggled, whispering to Aaravi, "Stay strong, girl"
Abhimanyu wiggled his eyebrows. "Bhai, agar bed toot gaya toh mujhe mat phone karna."
He clapped Akshay on the back and whispered, "Jyada stamina mat dikhana, bhabhi par taras karo, itni choti si toh hai"
Mishti lifted Pihu. "Good night, lovebirds."
Pihu waved dramatically. "Bye, Aaru mami!"
As the 4 exited, Abhimanyu nudged Mishti by the shoulder.
" Soch lo... agar inki suhaagrat aise hogi, toh humari kaisi hongi" he grinned
" SHUT UP!" Mishti scowled.
"Arrrey, Naaraz kyu horahi hoon Mirchi" ,he whispered back
The door finally shut behind them.
Aaravi stood in the middle of the overly decorated battlefield of flowers and lights.
Akshay dropped the romantic posture instantly. "Tu itni overacting kyun karti hai? Kitna sharam aata hai mujhe samajh nahi sakti "
She spun toward him. "Main? Tum kamar pakad ke kheechte ho aur woh 'meri zindagi safal' dialogue de rahe the."
He ran a hand through his hair, groaning.
"Yaar yeh pagal ladki! 2 ghante bhi nahi hue shaadi karte, aur dimaag abhi se khaa rahi hai"
His hand was still hovering near her waist from earlier.
He quickly let it fall as it burned him.
She exhaled slowly and walked toward the bed, picking up a handful of rose petals and tossing them in the air. "Tumhein pata hai yeh sab kitna absurd hai?"
"Pata hai."
He looked around the floral battlefield and sighed. "Mujhe bachpan ka ghar yaad aata tha. Yeh circus nahi."
She laughed and walked toward the wardrobe. "Main change karke aati hoon. Saree mein main nahi sone wali"
He turned slightly away out of courtesy. "Theek hai."
She grinned and disappeared inside, locking the door behind her.
The sound of running water filled the room faintly.
Akshay exhaled slowly and ran a hand through his hair. He removed his suit jacket and folded it carefully over the chair. The fairy lights blinked around him in ridiculous romantic patterns.
"Yeh sab maasi ko karna hi tha," he muttered to himself.
"Saare ke saare pagal log, aur unke beech main fas gaya hoon"
The bathroom door clicked open.
He turned casually—
And then physically recoiled.
"What the—!" he shouted, stumbling backwards so fast he nearly tripped over rose petals.
" AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" he shrieked loudly in a high-pitched voice.
She stood there in a sleeveless pink silk nightie that fell just above her knees, soft fabric catching the warm light. Her hair was open, slightly damp at the ends. The silk hugged her frame effortlessly.
He immediately grabbed a pillow and held it in front of himself like a shield.
"Door raho!" he exclaimed dramatically. "Paas mat aana!"
" AAHHHHHHHH" he screamed again covering his eyes.
She stared at him.
"Yeh kya pehna hai tumne?" he demanded, scandalized.
"Nightie," she replied calmly. "Dictionary mein dekh lo."
He pointed at her as if she were holding a weapon. "Sleeveless kyun hai?"
"Yeh ghar hai, fashion runway nahi!"
"Tumhara kya problem hai? Tumne hi toh bola normal routine continue karega."
"Normal routine mein log... log... yeh sab..." He gestured vaguely.
She walked closer deliberately.
He shrieked again. "Mat aao! Main serious hoon!"
She burst out laughing and lunged forward, clapping a hand over his mouth. "Chillao mat! AKSHUU!
suhaag raat hai, tum chila rahe ho... Society ke log upar aa jayenge AUR KYA SOCHENGE!""
He tried to pry her hand off. "Tum pagal ho."
"Main? Tum toh aise react kar rahe ho jaise main machete leke khadi hoon."
He stepped back again, still holding the pillow defensively. "Yeh decent hai kya?"
"Excuse me?" she gasped. "Yeh Victoria's Secret nahi hai. Simple silk nightie hai."
"Pink kyun hai?"
"Oh, to red pehna chahiye tha?"
He looked her up and down once, then immediately looked away.
She tilted her head mischievously. "Kyun? Dar lag raha hai?"
"Bilkul nahi."
"Toh phir?"
He threw the pillow onto the bed irritably. "Bas... personal space."
She folded her arms. "Personal space? Shaadi kar li hai humne."
She walked past him and sat on the edge of the bed deliberately, silk shifting softly against rose petals.
"Whatever aap kuch bhi karo, mai sone ja raha hoon", he gritted, aggressively grabbing the pillow and sitting on the bed.
"Main yahin so rahi hoon," she declared.
He froze.
"Excuse me?"
"Bed comfortable lag raha hai."
He stared at her in disbelief. "Yeh mera bed hai."
"Correction," she said sweetly. "Humara bed."
"Main yahan bachpan se iss gar mein reh raha hoon."
"Main aaj se reh rahi hoon."
He pointed toward the couch in the living room. "Couch khaali hai."
She blinked slowly. "Toh tum jao."
"Kyun main jaoon?"
"Kyunki main nahi jaa rahi."
He laughed incredulously. "Tumhe lagta hai main apne hi ghar mein couch pe soonga?"
She stood up instantly. "Tumhe lagta hai main dulhan ho ke couch pe soongi?"
"Dulhan drama band karo."
"Mai malik hoon iss ghar ka"
" main malkin hoon is ghar ki, aapki patni", she snapped back
"Legal share automatically milta hai."
"Yeh property transfer nahi hua." he snapped back
He ran a hand through his hair again. "Logic mat ghumaao."
"Tum sofa pe jao."
"Nahi."
"Jao."
"Nahi."
She grabbed a pillow and flung it at his face.
He caught it mid-air and stared at her in disbelief. "Tumne mujhe maara?"
"Warning shot tha."
He picked up another pillow and threw it back.
It hit her shoulder.
She gasped dramatically. "Tumne nayi dulhan pe attack kiya?"
Within seconds, both of them were armed with pillows.
She lunged first.
He dodged, laughing despite himself.
"Aaravi!" he protested as she smacked his arm.
"Bed mera hai!" she declared, hitting him again.
"Impossible!"
He grabbed the blanket and pulled it toward himself.
She held onto the other end and yanked back.
For a moment, they stood on opposite sides of the mattress, tugging like children fighting over a toy.
"Chhodo!" he said.
"Pehle tum!"
"Main height advantage use karunga."
"Try karke dekho!"
He pulled harder.
She lost balance slightly and stumbled forward into him.
He caught her automatically, hands gripping her upper arms to steady her.
Her face was inches from his chest.
She looked up slowly.
He looked down.
The room felt warmer suddenly.
She cleared her throat and pushed him lightly. "Cheap tactic."
He released her at once. "Tum hi khud aayi."
She grabbed the blanket again. "Final warning. Main bed pe soongi."
He moved to sit on the bed before she could.
She immediately jumped onto the mattress from the other side and spread herself diagonally across it.
"Aise soongi," she announced.
He stared at her, exasperated. "Yeh kya starfish position hai?"
He climbed onto the bed too and tried to shift her.
She rolled dramatically.
He tried to pull the blanket again.
She clutched it tighter.
"Aaravi!"
"Akshay!"
" HAHAAH, UTHAO MUJHE" she stuck her tongue out at him.
They glared at each other for a moment before something in Akshay's posture changed.
Instead, he smirked, and before she could react, he bent down suddenly, slid one arm behind her back and the other under her knees, scooping her up bridal style in one swift motion.
She gasped. "AKSHAY!"
He straightened effortlessly, six foot two of pure menace and amusement.
"Tumne khud bola tha," he reminded, looking down at her with infuriating smugness.
Her hair fell over his arm as she flailed slightly. "Put me down!"
"With pleasure."
He took two calm steps forward and dropped her unceremoniously onto the plush carpet.
"AAAHHH!" she shrieked dramatically as she landed, rubbing her back. "Lag gayi! Main toot gayi!"
He burst out laughing.
Head tilted back, shoulders shaking, absolutely unbothered.
" DRAMA QUEEN," he said between laughs, looking down at her sprawled on the carpet in her pink silk nightie.
She lay there for a second, staring at the ceiling.
Then she peeked at him through her lashes.
He was still smirking at her from above, hands on his hips.
"Height advantage misuse," she muttered.
"Weight negligible," he shot back casually.
Her jaw dropped. "KYA?!"
He crouched slightly, still amused. "Matlab light ho. Easy lift."
She narrowed her eyes dangerously.
He was still laughing.
Then suddenly his expression shifted.
"Seriously lagi toh nahi?" he asked, a hint of actual concern slipping through.
He crouched fully now, reaching toward her arm. "Aaravi?"
She blinked innocently.
"Thoda...," she said weakly. "Shayad ankle..."
His brows furrowed immediately. "Show me."
He leaned closer.
That was his mistake.
With lightning speed, she grabbed the nearest pillow and smacked him square in the face.
THWACK.
He jerked back.
She shot up into a sitting position. "GOT YOU!"
He stared at her.
"You—"
She smacked him again.
"Weight negligible?!" Thwack.
"Drama queen?!" Thwack.
"Misuse height?!" Thwack.
He caught the pillow mid-air this time, gripping it tightly.
"Aaravi," he warned.
She stuck her tongue out at him.
He lunged forward to grab the pillow fully.
She rolled away dramatically across the carpet.
He grabbed her ankle lightly and pulled her back toward him.
She squealed. "Kidnapping!"
He leaned over her, pinning the pillow down beside her head.
She was on her back on the carpet.
He was hovering above her, bracing himself with one arm so he didn't crush her.
Their faces were way too close.
Her laughter faded first.
His smirk softened just a fraction.
She cleared her throat and pushed his shoulder lightly.
"Move, " UNCHA LAMBA KAD"."
He blinked once, as if snapping out of it, and immediately rolled off to the side.
They both sat up.
Then she pointed at him accusingly. "You dropped your wife."
"You asked to be picked up."
"Not to be launched like a sack of potatoes!"
"You landed on carpet."
She narrowed her eyes. "Main kal se sabko bataungi IPS officer ne dulhan ko ground pe patak diya."
He leaned back on his hands, studying her.
"You're impossible."
She grinned brightly. "Aur tum overdramatic ho."
He stood up finally and extended a hand toward her.
She eyed it suspiciously. "Is baar sach mein uthaoge?"
He sighed. "Haan."
She placed her hand in his and he pulled her up smoothly.
They stood there a second too long before she walked past him toward the bed again and jumped onto it victoriously.
He suddenly grabbed a pillow and placed it lengthwise down the centre of the bed.
"Boundary," he declared firmly.
She looked at the makeshift divider.
"Yeh kya hai?"
"Line of control."
She burst into laughter. "Tum LOC bana rahe ho bedroom mein?"
"Haan. Is side mera territory. Us side tumhara."
He lay down stiffly on one side, arms folded.
She lay down on the other side dramatically, turning her back to him.
For ten seconds, there was silence.
Then she kicked the divider pillow slightly.
It shifted.
He pushed it back.
She pushed it again.
He sighed loudly. "Sona hai ya India Pakistan border dispute karna hai?"
"Tumne shuru kiya."
"Main comfortable hoon."
"Main nahi hoon."
"Tumhari problem hai."
He turned his head toward her. "Light off karo."
"Tum karo."
"Switch tumhare side hai."
She smirked in the dark. "Bed bhi mere side hai."
He groaned and leaned across her to switch off the lamp.
He switched the light off quickly and returned to his side.
Darkness settled, broken only by fairy lights blinking faintly.
After a long pause she muttered, "Blanket thoda share karo."
"Tumne kheench liya tha."
"Ab thand lag rahi hai."
He hesitated, then pushed part of it toward her without looking.
"Thanks," she murmured.
"Good night."
"Good night, Malik."
"Shut up Malkin bai"
Morning light filtered through the curtains in narrow bands, falling across the bed in pale gold lines. The room smelled faintly of sandalwood soap and damp cotton. Aaravi stepped out of the bathroom, hair still slightly wet, water droplets darkening the edge of her blouse.
Her red saree was stiff with newness, pleats sharp, pallu pinned carefully at her shoulder. It was of a thin chiffon fabric. A thin line of sindoor sat neatly in the parting of her hair. The mangalsutra rested against her collarbone, black beads cool against her skin.
Akshay was already awake.
He stood near the window, phone in one hand, coffee mug in the other, wearing an old grey T-shirt and track pants. Sleeves pushed up. His dark hair slightly messy. He turned at the sound of her anklets.
Aaravi stood in the doorway, hands folded lightly in front of her, chin lifted just a little. The red of the saree caught the morning light, deep and unapologetic.
Akshay blinked once.
Then again.
"Aap..," he said slowly, eyes moving from her hair to the saree pleats to the mangalsutra, "...ghar mein function hai kya?"
Aaravi smiled a full, satisfied smile.
"Kyun?" she asked sweetly. "Achha nahi lag raha?"
"Achha lag raha hai," he said immediately. Then frowned. "Par aapne ghar pe saree kyun pehni hai?"
She walked in further, the rustle of fabric loud in the quiet room. She adjusted the pallu with exaggerated care.
"Shaadi ke baad pehla din hai," she said. "I thought... thoda vibe set karna chahiye."
"Vibe?"
"Haan," she said seriously. "Proper woh shaadi-shuda bahu vibes."
Akshay stared. "Kaunse zamaane ke?"
"Ekta Kapoor ke," she said proudly. "Subah uthte hi fresh shower, sindoor, mangalsutra, laal saree. Bas background mein dhoom tana na na missing hai."
He took a slow sip of coffee. "Aap serial shoot pe jaa rahi hai?"
" ekdum gopi bahu lag rahi ho"
She walked past him toward the bed, sat down carefully, keeping the pleats intact.
"Aapko kya problem hai?" she said. "Shaadi hui hai meri. Thoda dramatic nahi ho sakti main?"
She ignored him, pacing carefully so the pleats didn't betray her. "Mujhe laga, pehla din hai. Thoda... vibe banani chahiye."
He leaned back, folding his arms. "Vibe ke naam pe torture allowed nahi hai."
"Torture?" She looked down at the saree, scandalized. "Isse zyada pavitra cheez kya ho sakti hai?"
" jaise ek Tracksuit," he said immediately. "Cotton, comfortable aur ek elastic waist."
Her mouth fell open. "Aap bol rahe ho shaadi ke baad main tracksuit pehnu?"
"Yes."
"Log kya kahenge?"
"Ghar ke andar log kaun hote hain?" he winked subtly, booping her nose with his finger.
She opened her mouth, closed it, then crossed her arms stubbornly. "Maine decide kar liya hai. Aaj main proper bahu banungi."
"Mujhe lagta hai, " he said, tone deceptively calm, "ki yeh saree pehen ke aap do ghante mein khud ro dogi."
She sniffed. "You're jealous!."
"Of?"
"My dedication."
He rubbed his face.
He shook his head and placed the mug on the table.
"Yaar, yeh ladki bhi na.... Vaise practical baat bolun?"
She looked up. "Haan Bolon."
"Saree mein poora din ghoomegi toh paagal ho jaayegi," he said. "AC ki problem bhi hai. Cotton bhi nahi lag rahi hai saree."
She looked down at the fabric, then waved a hand dismissively. "Sacrifice hota hai. Bahu banne ke liye."
"Aap bahu kam, costume department zyada lag rahi hai," he muttered.
She gasped. "Itna bhi rude nahi hona tha ji."
He turned toward the door. "Chalon."
"Chal matlab?"
"Uth gayi hai na?" he said. "Kuch ache se kha lete hain."
Her eyes lit up instantly.
"Sach?" she said, already standing up. "Kya order kar rahe ho?"
She clutched the pallu excitedly. "Bahaar se order kar rahe ho?"
He turned toward the door.
She followed, voice picking up speed. "Sunno na, agar aap pooch rahe ho na, toh mujhe koi preference nahi hai.Pizza bhi. Korean noodles, Sushi thoda risky hai subah subah but I'm open. Waffles? Pancakes? Oh! South Indian! Dosa, idli—"
She trailed after him, still talking. "Actually, biryani zyada better rahegi. Shaadi ka first lunch.. Symbolic bhi hai."
She leaned against the counter, grinning. "Dekha? Main kitni adjusting hoon."
"Bilkul," his voice floated back.
"Thank you," she said. "Compliment accepted."
He walked into the kitchen.
She stood outside, hands clasped, already dreaming of ordering from delivery apps and plastic containers and steam rising dramatically.
She leaned against the doorframe, grinning.
"Dekha," she muttered to herself, smiling, eyes trailing off where he left. "Shaadi ke baad husbands kitne considerate ho jaate hain?"
Her smile widened as she called out. "Zyada mat kharcha karna haan. Main simple hoon. Bas extra raita aur nimbo lena."
The sound of steel plates clinking came from inside.
Then... she sniffed the unmistakable smell of sabzi.
Her smile faltered noticeably.
Akshay walked back out, holding a steel plate.
On it was tindora ki sabzi, plain rice and two chapatis folded neatly.
He placed the plate on the dining table and looked at her.
"Zyada udd mat," he said calmly. "Maine ghar pe hi khaana banaya hai, aapke uthne se pehle."
Aaravi stared at the plate.
Then at him.
Then back at the plate.
"Tinde?" she said softly.
"Haan."
"Subah?"
"Haan."
"Shaadi ke next day?"
"Haan."
She looked personally betrayed, pouting.
She crossed her arms. "Mujhe nahi khana."
"Baith jao," he repeated softly.
He picked up a spoon, scooped a bit of rice and sabzi together, and held it up casually.
"Drama band kar Choti malkin," he said. "Kha le."
She glared at the spoon. "Main koi bachchi thodi hoon."
"Toh phir muh kyun phula rakha hai?"
She sat down with a dramatic huff, turning her face away.
He waited a second, then brought the spoon closer.
"Moonh khol."
"Nahi."
"Aaravi."
"Nahi."
"Please?" he tried softer.
After three seconds, she opened her mouth angrily and took the bite.
"...theek bana hai," she admitted under her breath, chewing angrily.
He smirked faintly.
He scooped another bite. "Aur?"
She sighed. "Aur bhi do."
He fed her again, holding the spoon out.
She ate, still pouting, bangles clinking with every annoyed movement.
She chewed it reluctantly.
The red saree rustled uncomfortably as she shifted in her chair, Zomato dreams already slipping under the weight of ordinary married mornings.
"Kya naseeb hai mera, pehle kidnapping hui us Kunal Deshmukh se, phir seedha mandap, dhoom dhaam se shaadi bhi nahi karne mili, na designer lehanga, na doston, na relatives, aur abh tinde khaane padh rahe hai" she murmured under her breath.
" Aur mere daddy bhi nahi.. shaadi ke waqt, naa gehne na kuch," she muttered softly, eyes glistening and holding back tears.
Her voice thinned and the dramatics were gone.
She blinked quickly, staring down at her plate so he wouldn't see the shine gathering in her eyes.
Akshay cleared his throat awkwardly as he wasn't built for thi.
Interrogations? Yes.
Gunfights? Fine.
Emotional vulnerability at 12:12 PM over tinde?
"Woh..." he began, then stopped awkwardly patting her head.
She wiped her eye quickly before a tear could escape and forced a small smile. "It's okay. Main bas bol rahi thi."
He watched her for a moment.
Akshay cleared his throat awkwardly, " Woh.. umm.. mujhe jaana hoga kaam ke liye"
She nodded quickly, "OFC, ji jaaiye"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By 1:30 PM, the station was already buzzing. Constables moved in and out of cabins. Files were stacked high, and phones were ringing.
A constable stood stiffly outside his glass cabin, waiting for signatures. Akshay signed without looking up. His phone rang, and he picked it up.
"Haan."
"Bhai," Abhi's voice came in low and teasing,
"kal shaadi hui aur aaj hi office? Dedication dekho."
"Bol kya kaam hai?" Akshay said flatly.
"Kaam mera nahi," Abhi replied
. "Tumhara lag raha hai. Subah Mishti ne dekha Aaravi ko woh kuch ro rahi thi lagta hai"
" lagta hai usne tumhaari asli chehra dekh liya", he joked
Akshay's jaw tightened faintly, thinking for a minute.
"Abhi," he said calmly, "aaj shaam ghar pe ho?"
"Haaan," Abhi dragged the word.
"Kyun?"
"Mishti bhi hogi?"
"Haan. Tum batao toh sahi."
Akshay looked through the glass panel of his cabin. Officers moved about, unaware.
" Late Shaam ko neeche mil," he said.
"Aur kisi ko mat batana."
Abhi went silent for a second.
"Tu serious tone mein bol raha hai. Kya chal raha hai?"
"Bas aa jaana please."
Around 9 PM, Akshay left the station earlier than most.
The market near the Shiv temple was still very crowded despite the hour.
Vendors shouted over each other. Marigold garlands hung in thick orange ropes. The smell of incense mixed with frying oil and jasmine. He stopped in front of a small jewellery shop.
There were glass counters, fluorescent light and rows of bangles stacked in perfect circles.
The shopkeeper looked up as he walked in
"Ji, kya chahiye?"
Akshay's gaze moved over the display of different greens.
There was emerald, bottle, parrot.
He cleared his throat.
" Woh uh.. Chooda type... Marathi wedding mein jo dulhaan ko dete hain wahi," he said.
The shopkeeper's face lit up knowingly.
"Arre haan, green choodiyan. Dulhan ke liye?"
"Size?" he asked.
Akshay hesitated.
His eyes lowered briefly, as if recalling from memory.
He recalled the way her wrists looked when she'd folded her hands that morning.
He gestured slightly with his fingers.
"Patli kalai hai unki"
The shopkeeper nodded and began pulling out sets, the glass clinking softly.
"Isme gold ka kaam bhi hai. Isme plain hai. Isme stone."
Akshay picked up one set of simple green glass.
He ran his thumb over them once.
They made a soft, sharp sound when shifted together.
"Pack kar dijiye please," he said.
The shopkeeper wrapped them carefully in pink paper, then placed them in a small box.
"Bride side se dena hota hai," the man said casually while billing.
"Rasam hoti hai."
Akshay gave a short nod.
" Ji haan pata hai mujhe.
—
Evening settled warm over the residential complex. Abhimanyu, who had just returned from the docks, and Mishti were waiting near the lift lobby.
Abhi crossed his arms. "Ab toh bata de yaara."
Akshay handed him the small box.
"Yeh kya hai?"
"Green choodiyan," Akshay said.
Mishti's eyes widened immediately. "Oh."
Abhi blinked. "Tu mujhe kyun de raha hai?"
"Teri kalai meh pehne" Akshay glared, annoyed
"Shaadi mein bride side deta hai," Mishti replied, chuckling.
"Uske paas koi nahi hai na abhi tak dene ko" Akshay said.
Mishti's expression softened.
Abhi shifted his weight.
"Tu khud de de na.. Teri patni hai." Abhi said.
Akshay's gaze moved briefly toward the stairwell leading up to his floor.
"Rasam hoti hai," he repeated.
"Bride side se."
Mishti stepped forward and took the box gently from Abhi's hands.
"Don't worry, Akshay, hum de denge Aaravi ko," she said softly.
Abhi looked at him, teasing gone from his face for once.
"Tu ajeeb tareeke se theek aadmi hai," he muttered.
Mishti smiled faintly. "Kab dena hai?"
"Abhi kuch der mein" Akshay said.
"Woh ghar pe hogi."
He turned toward the stairs instead of the lift.
Abhi called after him, "Tu aa raha hai ya—?"
"Tum log jao mujhe kuch... mujhe kuch kaam hai," he replied without looking back.
Upstairs, the corridor light flickered once.
Inside the apartment, Aaravi stood near the balcony, red saree finally replaced by a soft cotton salwar.
Her hair was tied loosely. The sindoor was still bright in the parting of her forehead.
The doorbell rang loudly, and she walked over.
When she opened it, she saw Mishti holding a pink box,
Abhi, standing beside her with an unusually formal expression, blinked in confusion.
"Yeh...?" she began.
Mishti smiled warmly and held the box forward.
The pink box rested in Mishti's palms like something ceremonial.
Aaravi stared at it, then at Mishti, then at Abhimanyu.
"Bride side se," Mishti repeated gently, nudging the box closer to her.
Aaravi's brows pulled together. "Bride side?"
Abhimanyu cleared his throat, suddenly looking oddly formal for someone who usually leaned against walls like life was a permanent Sunday.
"Research kiya hai humne," he said, scratching the back of his neck.
". Marathi wedding rituals mein green choodiyan dulhan ko uske maayke waale dete hain. Suhaag ke liye, happiness aur prosperity ke liye."
Mishti nodded eagerly.
"Aur usually mama ya maternal side se hota hai. So we thought..."
She swallowed slightly. "Yahan hum hi hain aapke liye toh..."
For a second, Aaravi didn't move. Then— Her eyes widened with delight.
"Wait," she whispered. "Green CHOODIYAN!!?" she shrieked.
Mishti opened the box. Inside, rows of slim green glass bangles caught the light.
Deep emerald with the thinnest gold lining at the edges. They chimed softly when Mishti lifted them.
Aaravi's breath hitched. "Oh my God," she breathed.
Her fingers hovered over them as they might disappear.
"You guys actually—" She looked up at them, eyes already shining.
"Aap dono ne research kiya?"
Mishti elbowed Abhi lightly.
"YouTube bhi. Ek aunty ne full explanation diya tha.
'Navari la hirvya chudiyan detat, maher kadhun.' I wrote it down."
Aaravi let out a sound that was half squeal, half sob.
Before either of them could brace themselves, she launched forward.
Enclosing Mishti in a tight hug, arms wrapping around her waist, face pressed into her shoulder. "Mishti bhabhi," she mumbled against her, voice trembling with laughter and tears.
"You are the best. I swear."
Mishti hugged her back just as tightly.
"Arre sambhal, bangles gir jayenge."
Then Aaravi turned and flung herself at Abhimanyu.
"Maan bhaiyya!" she cried.
He staggered back a step from the force of it, then steadied her easily, one arm around her shoulders.
"Arre pagli," he muttered, softer than usual.
"Itna senti mat ho bhabhi."
She pulled back just enough to cup his face dramatically and plant a loud kiss on his cheek.
He recoiled immediately. "Oye! Lipstick lag jayegi!"
"Lagni chahiye," she declared proudly.
She kissed Mishti's cheek too, leaving a faint red smudge.
"Tum logon ne mere liye yeh kiya..."
She shook her head, overwhelmed.
"Mujhe laga... I missed everything. Mehendi, rasmein, haldi, mama, maher..."
Mishti gently slid one bangle over Aaravi's wrist.
The glass brushed against her skin with a delicate click.
The green sat against her fair skin tone.
Abhimanyu picked up another and carefully eased it over her other hand. "Usually odd numbers pehente hain," he said.
"So we got enough."
"You even know that?" she gasped.
"Main useless thodi hoon," he replied lazily.
Mishti added more, stacking them carefully.
The soft chiming grew louder with each addition. Aaravi shook her hands lightly, listening to them sing. For a moment, she looked exactly like someone who had grown up with women crowding around her on a wedding morning. Like someone whose maayka had been loud and warm and present.
She laughed through tears. "Main sach mein dulhan lag rahi hoon na?" she asked, turning her wrists this way and that.
"Full nauvri," Mishti said, eyes glistening.
"Ab bas nose ring aur paithani reh gaya," Abhimanyu added casually.
She gasped again. "Don't tempt me."
From down the corridor, a quiet shadow lingered near the stairwell. Akshay stood just out of sight. He had climbed the last few steps silently and paused when he heard her laugh.
He watched as her happiness arrived in waves, almost unfiltered and childlike.
She turned suddenly toward him, spotting him near the doorway.
"Akshay!" she called out immediately, lifting both wrists.
The bangles clinked brightly.
"Dekho!"
Abhimanyu and Mishti both glanced back.
Akshay stepped forward into the light.
His gaze dropped to her wrists.
They suited her more than the red saree that morning.
"Hm," he said evenly.
"Achha hai."
Aaravi's smile faltered for a split second before she recovered.
"Achha hai?" she repeated, expecting more.
He adjusted his watch strap.
"Haan. Proper lag raha hai." Abhimanyu studied him quietly.
Mishti's eyes flicked between them.
Aaravi forced a small laugh.
"Bas? Itna hi reaction?"
Akshay shrugged lightly.
"Rasam hai. Hona chahiye tha."
Abhimanyu gave him a long look but said nothing.
After a few more light exchanges,
Mishti squeezed Aaravi's hand.
"Kal chai pe aa jaana," she said softly.
"Haan," Aaravi replied, smile bright again.
"Main poori bangles pehen ke aaungi."
They left, and the corridor quieted again.
Inside the apartment, the door clicked shut.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Aaravi stood near the dining table, staring at her wrists.
The green shimmered when she moved.
She looked up at him. "Tumhe... pasand aaye?" she asked, softer now.
He placed his cap on the side table. "Haan." She waited, but it was too silent.
He walked toward the bedroom. "Dinner kha liya?" he asked over his shoulder.
Something inside her dropped.
"Main... haan" she said automatically.
He disappeared into the room.
The bangles felt heavier suddenly.
Later that night, the bathroom light glowed dim and yellow. The tap ran softly. Aaravi stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. Of the green bangles, the sindoor, and the mangalsutra from Kunal. She lifted her wrists again and listened to the faint chiming.
"Rasam hai," she whispered to herself.
"Hona chahiye tha kya galat bola usne... shaadi toh love ki bhi nahi thi."
Her throat tightened.
"Maan bhaiyya aur Mishti bhabhi ko toh kitna excitement tha," she murmured.
"Google kiya, research kiya..."
A shaky breath escaped her.
"Unke liye main important thi." Her fingers trembled slightly.
Her reflection blurred as tears gathered.
"Akshay ko toh bas... formality lag rahi thi"
" thoda toh enthusiasm nahi dikha sakte the"
She pressed her lips together, trying to steady herself.
"Shaadi bhi emergency mein hui," she whispered.
"Main bhi emergency hoon." Her shoulders shook.
"Burden hoon main," she breathed.
"Sirf ek responsibility ek case file. Protection."
A tear slipped down her cheek.
"Usne shaadi ki kyunki situation thi. Kyunki main akeli thi. Kyunki Kunal..."
Her voice broke. She covered her mouth quickly to muffle the sound.
Outside, the apartment remained quiet. She turned the tap higher to mask her sobs. Water rushed louder.
She slid down slowly until she was sitting on the cold bathroom floor, back against the cabinet.
The bangles knocked softly against each other as her hands came up to her face. Green glass and saltwater.
"Usko farak hi nahi padta," she whispered hoarsely.
"Main hoon ya nahi."
" kisi ko farak nahi padtha mere baare mein, mere rehne se.."
" pehle daddy ke liye zinda thi lekin woh bhi gaye mujhe chodkar"
Her tears slipped freely now, streaking her cheeks.
She pressed her forehead to her knees, crying as quietly as she could.
She chuckled bitterly,
" Mumma toh bachpan mein hi chod ke gayi."
"Daddy toh sapne dekhte the, ek dhoom dhaam si shaadi meri, kanyadaan ki rasam. bidai"
She laughed faintly through tears, the sound breaking in the middle.
"Main toh practice kar chuki hoon na... log chhod ke jaate hain."
The tears began falling without restraint now. They slid down her cheeks, dropped onto the sink, onto her bangles.
She shut her eyes.
FLASHBACK 5 YEARS AGO,
Aaravi was sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, surrounded by open books and loose papers
. A table fan ran on inverter power, making more noise than the breeze.
Her father had walked in from the kitchen holding two steel glasses of nimbu pani.
"Madam," he had announced dramatically, placing one glass beside her notes. "Break lena bhi syllabus ka part hai."
She had groaned. "Daddy, 12th boards mein ache marks aane chahiye, nahi toh gaya future kachre mein "
He had sat down beside her, folding his legs awkwardly.
"Competition se darr lagta hai?"
"Lagta hai," she had admitted quietly.
He had nudged her shoulder gently.
"Tu darr ke liye thodi paida hui."
She had looked at him, eyes skeptical.
He had smiled that wide, foolish smile of his.
"Ek din jab tu district collector banegi na, main sabko bolunga,
'Yeh meri beti hai.'"
She had laughed. "Aapko English bolni padegi tab."
"Then I will say with dignity, and my chin raised high, that this is my daughter.'
She had leaned her head on his shoulder.
" aur phir uske baad tum mujhe bhool jaogi aur khud ka boyfriend laogi"
" ewww , chii yaar so embarrassing" she had scowled at him.
He had chuckled,
" aur kya? phir shaadi karegi, ek ache se tall loyal husband..."
approved only by me," he added cheekily
"Shaadi bhi dhoom dhaam se karenge tumhaari," he had continued casually.
" aakhir princess ho meri... jo bhi lehenga tumhein chahiye.. Jo bhi gehne"
"Band baja, full Rajasthan ke palaces mein, tere dost, some toxic relatives jo unfortunately invite karna padega, acha se khaana, mera dance."
She had rolled her eyes. "Aap dance karoge?"
"Main sabse zyada karunga."
She had imagined it then, lots of lights, shehnai and music.
He had tapped her forehead lightly.
"Bas ek cheez yaad rakh. Log aayenge jaayenge. Tum aapna Sapna mat chhodna.
IAS banna hai. Apne pairon pe khadi rehna hai. Aur kisi ke saamne sir nahi jhukna hai. "
She had nodded then.
A sob tore out of her chest.
"Daddy..." she choked, covering her mouth again as the sound echoed faintly under the running tap. "Aap hote toh aisa nahi hota."
Her body began to shake harder.
"Main IAS banungi," she whispered desperately, as if bargaining with the air. "Aapka sapna pura karungi. Bas wahi reh gaya hai. Bas wahi reason hai. "
" Or else, what do I even have to stay alive for.
Who do I even have to be alive for?" she pleaded.
Her vision blurred further as the steam thickened.
The hot water continued pouring into the sink, splashing lightly.
The bathroom air grew heavy, humid, and suffocating.
She tried to inhale deeply, but her chest felt tight.
"Mujhe kidnap kiya gaya... phir shaadi..." she murmured weakly.
"Main thak gayi hoon duniya se."
" Nobody even wants me around. Nobody craves my company, nobody matters if I exist"
She pushed herself up unsteadily, gripping the counter for balance.
The bangles clashed against the marble surface.
She leaned forward, turning the shower knob blindly as if instinct guided her.
Water began to fall over her from above, hot.
She stood there beneath it, still crying, water mixing with tears, soaking her clothes, her hair clinging to her cheeks.
Her breathing grew shallow, and the sound of water roared in her ears.
Her knees weakened, and the last thing she registered was the green bangles sliding down her wrist as her arm dropped.
Then everything went dark.
Her body collapsed sideways under the shower spray, striking the tiled floor with a dull thud.
Water continued to run over her unmoving form, steam rising around her.
On the bed, Akshay sat a file open before him, his reading glasses resting low on his nose as columns of typed statements and handwritten annotations filled his line of sight.
He glanced at the clock mounted on the wall.
Forty minutes had passed since Abhi and Mishti had left.
His brows drew together as he tried to recall when she had walked into the bedroom, the green bangles chiming softly at her wrist, her expression unusually quiet.
He closed the file slowly, sliding his pen into the crease with deliberate care.
"Aaravi?" he called out once, his voice firm.
There was no response.
He remained seated for a moment longer, listening.
The water continued running.
He stood up and walked toward the bathroom door.
He knocked lightly.
"Aaravi."
Silence met him.
He knocked again, louder this time, his knuckles striking the wood with sharper force.
"Aaravi, kitna time lagega?"
Nothing answered him except the relentless rush of water.
A muscle along his jaw tightened.
He tried the handle, but it was locked.
The water still ran.
His heartbeat altered its rhythm, the change subtle yet undeniable, as his mind moved through possibilities with trained precision.
"Aaravi!" he called sharply, his palm flattening against the door before he struck it with his fist.
There was no movement inside, no shuffling, no irritated retort.
The sound of water began to feel worrying in a way he could not immediately articulate.
He stepped back once, his gaze travelling along the frame and the latch, assessing structure and angle without conscious thought.
Then he kicked.
The wood splintered near the latch but resisted.
He kicked again, harder, the impact echoing through the bedroom.
The door finally burst inward with a cracking sound, the latch giving way under force.
Steam rolled out in thick waves, warm and suffocating.
He stepped inside and halted.
Aaravi lay on the tiled floor beneath the shower, her body angled awkwardly against the drain, clothes soaked and clinging to her frame, hair plastered across her face, green bangles dulled under the streaming water, tear tracks faintly visible against her skin despite the flow.
"Aaravi!"
He moved instantly, turning off the shower first as water ceased mid-fall and silence rushed in with startling intensity.
He knelt beside her, sliding one hand beneath her head while the other brushed wet strands of hair away from her face.
Her skin felt hot beneath his palm.
"Aaravi, aankhen kholo," he said urgently, tapping her cheek with controlled pressure.
She did not respond.
He pressed two fingers against the side of her neck to check her pulse.
Air left his lungs in a sharp breath he had not realized he was holding.
He slid one arm beneath her shoulders and the other under her knees, lifting her carefully against his chest as water dripped from her clothes onto the floor, tracing dark patterns along the tiles.
He carried her to the bed and laid her down gently, adjusting her position so her head rested evenly before grabbing a dry towel and pressing it against her face and hair, absorbing the moisture with swift movements that betrayed the tension in his shoulders.
Her breathing remained shallow, uneven.
Her skin radiated heat beneath his touch.
He reached for his phone with steady fingers that concealed urgency through discipline and dialed immediately.
"Dr. Mehra," he said when the line connected, his voice low but firm,
"emergency hai, abhi ghar pe aaiye, my wife.. She fainted in the bathroom, temperature high lag raha hai."
He listened, his gaze never leaving her face.
"Ji, address aapko pata hai, please jaldi."
He ended the call and returned his attention to her, adjusting a pillow beneath her head and brushing damp strands from her forehead again.
"Aaravi," he said more quietly now, as though lowering his voice could coax her back.
Her lashes fluttered faintly but did not open.
He sat beside her, one hand hovering above her shoulder before settling there lightly, grounding himself in the warmth of her skin.
The green bangles glinted under the bedroom light, their soft chime audible when his fingers accidentally brushed against them.
Minutes stretched.
He moved to the wardrobe, pulled out a dry dupatta, and gently covered her to preserve warmth while dabbing at her face again, watching for any shift in breathing, any sign of consciousness.
When the doorbell rang, he was already on his feet.
Dr. Mehra entered briskly, medical bag in hand, concern replacing routine courtesy when she saw her lying still on the bed.
"Kab se aisi hai?" the doctor asked.
"Pata nahi maam", Akshay replied, stepping aside while remaining close.
After the doctor performed the necessary checkups, such as checking her pulse, her pupils, and her temperature.
"High fever develop ho raha hai, dehydration aur emotional stress bhi ho sakta hai," she murmured, preparing an injection. "Panic episode ya exhaustion."
Akshay stood rigid as the doctor administered the medication.
"Consciousness wapas aayegi," Dr. Mehra assured, packing her instruments. "Aaj rest zaroori hai. Khayal rakhiye aapke biwi ka."
Akshay nodded once.
After the doctor left, silence returned, thicker than before.
He remained seated beside her, watching the rise and fall of her chest, the faint tremor that occasionally passed through her fingers.
Around dawn, her eyelids shifted slightly.
He leaned closer.
"Aaravi," he called softly.
Her lips parted, a weak sound escaping before her eyes opened partially, unfocused.
"Akshay..." she whispered, confusion clouding her expression.
"Tum theek ho," he said quietly, relief threading beneath restraint. "Bathroom mein faint ho gayi thi."
She tried to sit up; but he pressed a hand lightly against her shoulder.
"Aram karo."
Her gaze drifted to her wrists, to the green bangles.
Tears gathered in his eyes without warning before he wiped them away.
Instead, he poured water into a glass and held it to her lips.
"Thoda sa piyo."
She obeyed weakly.
After a moment, her voice trembled.
"Main... main theek hoon."
He studied her face, noting the red rims of her eyes, the exhaustion etched into her features.
"Kyoon ro rahi thi?" he asked finally, his tone measured.
She turned her face away.
"Kuch nahi."
He waited, but silence stretched between them, and he decided not to push further due to the fragile state of her body.
"Kahi isse woh kunal ke wajah se abhi bhi trauma hai?" he asked himself.
He continued drying her hair gently with the towel.
He picked up his phone, immediately scrolled and dialled another number.
The call connected on the third ring.
"Hello?" Mishti's voice came through, casual at first.
"Mishti," he said, and there was no mistaking the strain in his voice now,
"Ghar aa sakti ho abhi, please, Aaravi faint ho gayi hai, bathroom mein gir gayi thi, high fever hai, but the doctor said she'll be fine"
The line went silent for a fraction of a second before Mishti's tone changed completely.
"Kya? Kab? Akshay, kya hua usse?"
"Mujhe nahi pata," he replied, running a hand through his hair, pacing beside the bed while keeping his eyes fixed on Aaravi's face.
"woh shower ke neeche gir gayi thi, I broke the door, she was not responding, pulse faint tha, abhi aankhen khol rahi hai thodi der ke liye but she is not fully aware."
"I am coming," Mishti said immediately. "Nimmi maasi ko bhi leke aati hoon."
He returned to the bed and sat beside Aaravi, lifting her slightly to adjust the pillow under her head, his fingers brushing against her damp hair again.
Her eyes opened faintly once more, unfocused.
He closed his eyes briefly at the sound of her broken murmur, then placed his palm against her forehead, feeling the heat there, his thumb trembling despite himself.
Within twenty minutes, hurried footsteps approached the apartment, and the doorbell rang repeatedly.
He opened the door before the second ring finished, and Mishti and Nimmi entered with visible alarm on their faces, their eyes scanning him first and then moving past him toward the bedroom.
"Kahan hai?" Mishti asked breathlessly.
"Inside," he said, stepping aside.
They hurried into the room and stopped short at the sight of Aaravi lying pale against the white bedsheet, her hair still damp, her green bangles dull against her wrist.
"Oh my God," Nimmi whispered, rushing to her side.
Akshay said quickly, his voice clipped. "High fever hai, shower ke neeche gir gayi thi."
Mishti touched Aaravi's forehead and flinched at the heat.
"Isko dry clothes pehnaane honge," he said firmly, already moving toward the cupboard. "Iske kapde poore geele hain."
"We will change her," Nimmi said gently but decisively. "Aap thoda bahar rukiye."
" Of course", he nodded, turning immediately.
He hesitated for a fraction of a second, his eyes lingering on Aaravi's face, on the way her breathing rose and fell unevenly, and then he stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him.
He stood in the hallway, hands braced against the wall, listening to the muted sounds inside, the rustle of fabric, the soft instructions Mishti murmured.
He could hear Nimmi's voice coaxing gently,
"Aaravi, thoda haath uthao, bas ek minute," and
Mishti saying,
"Careful, uska sir support karo maasi"
He swallowed hard, forcing himself to remain where he was because stepping back in would only complicate what they were trying to do.
HOW WAS THE CHAPTER, GUYS??? APOLOGIES IF WE DIDN'T FOCUS ON THE OTHER COUPLES TOO MUCH... I PROMISE MORE DRAMA AND ROMANCE HEADED YOUR WAY! AS ALWAYS, LOVE YOU SO MUCH, MY LOVELIES!
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