As the morning air grew cold kaashvi woke up to the warmth first

Not the sun or the blanket- a familiar warmth

Warmth that was solid

her eyes fluttering open hair sprawled near her face as she looked around in her sleepy gaze her hand instinctively reaching out as if to find someone

"avi" she slowly whispered looking beside her

Then she realised

Her cheek was pressed against something firm. For a daze second, she didn't move just trying to process everything her lashes fluttered as her brain tried to catch up with her body

Then she felt it- a hand resting on her upper arms while other hand on loosely on her head like protecting her- the familiar, warmth and touch

Her breath hitched for a moment as she slowly lifted her head slightly eyes darting up and then she froze for a second

Her eyes landed on him- aviraj

He was still sleeping, looking so peaceful but he wasn't laid he was sitting still back against the headboard neck tilted just a little to the side, his jaw relaxed which is rarely a scene, lashes casting faint shadows against his cheekbones, his both hands on her not in uncomfortable touchy way but as protective, in limits comforting way

And her head- her head was rested comfortably on his lap

And now she realised, he stayed like this the whole night, her entire body went rigid eyes widening a little lips parting as she remembered everything that happened- him comforting her, making her eat, the medicines, the way he massaged her legs even kissed her calves like being devoted and most importantly her words- as she remembered her words her eyes widened more and her expression turning into a horror one as she realised what she did and said last night to him

Her stomach dropped

"ohh myyy krishnaaaa" the words didn't come out they screamed inside her skull

Memories rushed in merciless and vivid

For a moment her eyes softened as she clearly remembered everything - him holding her hair and saree- steady and unflinching, staying beside her even when she retched, the way he held her hand even when everyone was there, and most importantly that one line - quiet, unplanned, devastating in its tenderness

"a girl with your eyes and your smile" she remembered his words, the way he kissed her feet without thinking anything

Her chest tightened

"humne toh sirf saathi ka socha tha..." she thought

"....magar aap toh puri Zindagi ka khayal rakh ke baithe ho"

Her fingers instinctively reached for his hand that was on her upper arm and her fingers curled around his holding firmly

She lifted her gaze slowly

She remembers one time crying badly about getting married to jay, she remembers how he treated her even after she said no, but now here she was with a man she never thought would even talk properly to her- in his arms, the man who was ready to do anything for, worships her like a goddess- his goddess, understands her before she could even say

"No matter what anyone say, I know you, no matter if they say you don't talk or feel I have seen you, I have felt how it's like to be your special one and no matter what this world says- I know my avi and I am ready to fight anyone who is against you"

she thought looking her eyes glistened a little looking at him lifting her hand that was holding his she softly placed her lips on his knuckles

Her lips barely brushed his knuckles - soft, reverent, almost afraid to disturb his sleep

But then she remembered more- the embarrassing part in all this

Her blabbering about kids- momo and tikki

"hadd hai kaashvi kya bhukkad samaj rahe honge wo tujhe"

she thought making a crying expression her lips pressed in a thin line

Her butter naan nonsense

"butter naan seriously kaashvi butter naan- jaan bol deti, darling bol deti par butter naan pati hai tera 7 course meal nahi"

she thought and then looked at him

"hmm par lagte toh chappan bhog se bhi tasty-"

She thought her mind was starting to wander somewhere else only but she quickly shook her head as if grounding herself and coming back to reality

Her leaning close- too close

Her almost-

"kisssss"

she screamed without realising this time words came out of her mouth eyes widening in horror

Her definitely saying and doing things she should have never been allowed to say especially not to him

"hey kanha jii kya soch rahe honge ye kya pagal tharkulli bhukkad biwi mili hai inhe ek baar ulti karke chainn nahi phir khane ka sochne lagi"

She hurriedly sat up straight now- too straight, too sudden

The movement made her head spin for half a second, but embarrassment is harder than dizziness

Her hair fell messily over her face, the blanket slipped a little and that's when she realised his arm that was on her head was now around her waist but he was still asleep

Her breath caught again

"ye kya kiya maine, apne hi pati ki izzat lootli"

She squeezed her eyes shut for a second physically cringing as she remembered everything

Heat crawled up her neck blooming her cheeks she shifted her gaze down the fabric of his shirt and joggers slightly creased where her head rested for hours how his back, thighs even neck must have gone numb and paining but still he hadn't moved

"kitna dard ho raha hoga aise baithe baithe puri raat"

she thought and swallowed a lump in her throat

Slowly carefully she lifted her hand and caressed his cheeks her thumb softly brushing his little stubble

His breathing was steady, deep- she knew he was tired or he might have got up till now

Her chest tightened at the sight - he had stayed like this the whole night just for her

Guilt mixed with something softer, heavier. The gratitude, affections something dangerously close to lo.... she thought but shook her head the feeling that scared her every time she tried to name it

She knows he didn't express much but his actions- they always screamed

She exhaled slowly letting that truth settle into her

Aviraj stirred a little his jaw moved brows knitting faintly

His arm instinctively tightens around her waist and fingers sliding more into her hands as if protective even in unconsciousness

Kaashvi froze for a moment

Her breath hitched

A soft exhale left him as she stirred a little

She stopped breathing for a moment but then sighed seeing him still in his sleep

Her gaze and fingers traced his face helplessly

The sharp man, the controlled voice, the authority he carried- gone. It was this soft, unguarded version of him only she had seen.

Tired, human, someone who stayed like this whole night so she could sleep comfortably

Her panic and embarrassment softened just a fraction as she looked at him moving a little closer and rising a little careful not to wake him up, she placed a soft kiss on his forehead, her lips softly brushing against his temple her one hand holding his firmly while other cupping his face softly

"mai kitna bolti hu par aap phir bhi mere liye itna karte ho" she murmured

"waise toh pati ho aapko karna chahiye par phir bhi"

her whisper broke barely louder than her breath

"phir bhi aap jaise karte ho...waise sab nahi karte"

She knows how most of the man treat their partner, maybe this was the reason she was afraid of everything related to marriage - trusting a man, sharing a life with him was a big thing for her though she have always been a hopeless romantic dreaming for a life with her soulmate but that fear after seeing how wives are treated made that wish of her to completely bury deep and now even if it hasn't been much time just a few months with him but never ever she felt like this with anyone the way she felt around him

"I don't know what this is, how I feel what I feel.... maybe because I haven't experienced this or even seen someone doing this but I know you mean more than anything" she thought

She hasn't dreamt of much in her life- just stability, peace, family and somewhere a person who will be just hers, understand her, be with her for who she is and here she was with a man who walks beside her as her supporter, who wants her to build herself as much as she does, even if someone sees it or not - he does

Her thumb lingered at his jaw tracing the faint line of stubble she had memorised without even meaning to

He stirred slightly at the contact, a soft exhale escaping him but didn't wake

His grip around her hand tightened for a second - instinctive, possessive even in sleep- before easing again

She smiled lightly

"dekha" she thought

"sote hue toh matt sohco"

She leaned back slightly studying him imprinting this version of him into her memory like something sacred

Slowly she eased herself up a little careful not to disturb him

She adjusted a pillow behind his back tugged the blanket a little higher on his body

As she did, she looked at him her forehead leaned briefly against his shoulder, careful reverent like she was afraid of breaking the moment

"kal raat jo bhi bola" she murmured voice small now as if he was listening to her

"please serious matt lena"

"matlab le lena par utna nahi" she again said

Her lips curved despite the embarrassment creeping back

"mai usually itni bakwas saamne nahi karti, matlab kar deti hu par itni nahi aap toh jaante hi ho"

She glanced at his face again searching for signs of wakefulness again, but found nothing just steady breathing lashes resting against his cheeks

Good she thought and continued

"I don't know kaise kubse" she whispered fingers tightening around his

"par jub aap hote ho na mujhe dar nahi lagta alag sa comfort feel hota hai jaise koi apna hai sath"

She paused for a moment and her throat bobbled

"aur jub nahi hote toh thodi bhaut gaali de deti hu par tab bhi lagta hai ki aaoge zarur"

She sighed not knowing why was she suddenly being this emotional maybe it was after his words last night on terrace or his care for her but whatever it was, she knew she felt the same just not knowing what it was

"maybe issi ko bharosa kehte hai" she said quietly to herself

His chest rose a little deeper under her

She was still leaning against him when his brow creased faintly a tiny shift breaking the stillness

His fingers that were resting loosely near her waist curled instinctively as if even in sleep he knew where she was

His lashes fluttered

He didn't wake fully at first just shifted a little, his one hand near her waist while the other holding her hand grounding himself

His voice came rough low wrapped in sleep as he looked around and then down at her

"noor..."

Her name slipped out of him

She froze for a moment

For a second she thought he was awake, what would he say, what would he think

Her heart thudded loudly in her ears she didn't move didn't pull away just nodded faintly like a child caught doing something

"hmm" she whispered her voice betraying her before she could stop it

That was enough

This time his eyes opened fully but concern sharpened his half sleepiness

His arm came around her immediately firmer this time drawing her closer out of that distance between the and into him. Not rushed not startled just natural like this was where she belonged careful not to make her uncomfortable

His both hands rested on her waist pulling her closer settling her carefully against him as he lifted her settling her on his lap while her hands instinctively wrapped around him her legs together on his side as he comfortably made her sit against him

"kya hua?" he asked voice was low still heavy with sleep but still alert

"You still feel nauseous? Pain?"

She shook her head against his shoulder moving and leaning closer to him the motion small, fragile

Her throat tightened and words refused to come

"n- nahi" she managed but her voice cracked midway and that did it

His hand rested on her waist and calmly rubbed while the other hand came to the back of her head

His palm slid up her back in slow grounding circles the way one calms a trembling child he tilted his head just enough so his forehead rested against her hair

His eyes opened properly now

In one swift motion he adjusted himself ignoring the stiffness screaming through his body and pulled her fully into his arms

Her head now settled against his chest his palm coming up to cradle the back of her head fingers threading into her hair slowly he looked down at her to face her, her eyes were slightly moistened

"noor" he murmured more awake now his voice soft forehead resting lightly against her hair now

"kya hua baccha?"

She clenched her fingers into his shirt embarrassed how easily she was falling apart but how safe it felt to do so in his arms

"I am sorry" she whispered breath uneven

"because of me aap aise rahe puri raat kitna uncomfortable hoga I am so..." she said before she could complete aviraj cut in he didn't let her finish

He shifted just a little adjusting so her weight was fully supported so her neck wouldn't strain

His chin rested against her head, his hand slid up from her waist to her back firm- steady.

He leaned back just enough to look at her face properly

His thumb coming up to her chin tilting it gently until her eyes met his

"bass" he said quietly not angry

"don't"

She blinked at him startled by the softness in his voice but still leaning onto him

"I chose to stay" he continued voice low but firm eyes looking in hers

"tum koi bojh nahi ho aur naa hi tumhari wajah se mai pareshaan hu"

Her lips trembled

"par aap-"

"I was comfortable baby" he cut in again this time firmer but soft at the same time but his hand still warm against her back thumb drawing slow circles like he was soothing a restless child

"tum so rahi thi, you were comfortable that was enough"

She stared at him disbelief flickering through her face

"aap jhoot matt boliye"

One corner of his mouth lifted not a smirk just a fond smile

"tumhe lagta hai mujhe tumse jhoot bolne ki zarurat hai?"

That did it

Her eyes that were moistened looked in his- the man who stood straight and serious for the world was here talking like she was a child

She ducked her head immediately but he was faster

His palm came to the back of her head pressing her gently into his chest his chin resting lightly against her hair

"itni si baat par rote nahi hai baccha" he murmured softly

"I thought my noor was the strongest after all you are the first girl who broke my car"

She shook her head against him a tiny chuckle leaving her lips

"I am strong-" she said

"bass mujhe ajeeb lag raha hai sab kuch mai itna bolti hu, itna drama karti hu, or itni messed up hu or aap itne calm, perfect upar se hum jub mile thae maine kitna kuch bola or kiya tha phir bhi aap-"

"phir bhi mai yahi hoon" he finished for her like it was obvious

"or yahi rahunga" he said like this is where he wanted to be, this is where they were destined

His hand moved slowly through her careful, patient no rush no expectations

"maybe we haven't met in a very 'romantic' or 'idol' manner" he said

"that doesn't mean what we have is any less real" he continued quietly

"or any less... ours"

She swallowed throat tight eyes looking in his face, the way a faint crease appears between his brows when he spoke something deep, he wasn't dramatic, he wasn't poetic but every word landed with weight

"you are not 'too much'," he said voice firm now

"you feel deeply, you speak freely that doesn't make you messy, it makes you honest"

She looked up at him

He saw her for who she was, and he accepted her for who she is

"and as for me being calm" a faint curve touching his lips

"that's not perfection that's just how I learned to work and survive"

"hmm ho thode se khadoos par ho toh mere hi abb" she said making him raise a brow and look at her

"accha ji?" he said looking down at her and she nodded

"haan ji" she said and he chuckled

"you didn't do anything wrong last night" he said voice steady almost protective

"medicine thi and whatever you said" he paused for half a second just enough for her heart to jump

"there is nothing to be embarrassed about"

Her head snapped up slightly

"butter naan-?"

He exhaled, a quiet huff of a laugh escaping him before he could stop it

"that was a little unexpected"

She groaned softly burning her face back into his chest

"please mat yaad dilaiye"

His chest vibrated with a low chuckle as he looked down at her slowly tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear and pressing his cheeks lightly against her cheeks

"let me tell you one thing"

She nodded against him

"tumne jo bhi bola" he said taking her one hand in his sliding her fingers with his thumb softly brushing her knuckles as he looked down at their joined hands

"there was nothing cheap about it, tum bass....tum thi"

She went still for a moment

"and I know that's how my noor is" he added looking in her eyes now

"Unfiltered, honest, thodi pagal"

Her fingers tightened around his shirt

"thodi?"

He hummed "thodi zyada"

That earned a weak breathy laugh from her muffled against his chest some of her tightness in her shoulders finally easing

Aviraj rested his cheek lightly against the top of her head eyes closing for a second feeling a sense of peace, calm he only feels when she is with him and even if he won't admit it out loud, she was a lot more than just a girl now

She was his wife, his noor, who smiles for everyone even is inside she is breaking, she who can fight with anyone if something is wrong, she who showed his what it means to be kind in this world, that it doesn't make you weak if you are kind, you can be fierce it isn't a weakness it's a strength

"Now stop overthinking and being guilty"

"Order de rahe ho?" she asked resting her chin against his chest looking up at him with squinting eyes

He looked down at her softly brushing her cheeks with his thumb

"nahi meri jaan request kar raha hoon" he corrected softly kissing her nose

She blinked and was taken off guard by the softness in his correction

The word alone loosened something inside her

She huffed quietly nose scrunching as she tried to glare at him but failed miserably while sitting curled into his arms

For a moment they both didn't speak just living in the calmness together then suddenly kaashvi looked up at him with curious eyes

"kya aap mandira ke sath bhi aise hi thae?" she asked suddenly catching him off guard

He stiffened for a moment

Not dramatically not visibly

Just a slight pause in the rhythm of his thumb on her cheek

Her question hung between them soft curious not accusing but heavy

He didn't pull away and didn't avert his gaze

He knew where this was coming from and he didn't want to complain because he knows she overthinks and she still needs time to trust and they have to build it step by step

He exhaled slowly and looked at her properly really looked- curled into him, eyes searching not jealous just wanting truth

"no" he said quietly

She blinked surprised how immediate the answer was

She knows mandira was just a political alliance for him if it was something serious, he wouldn't have married kaashvi then and there but that doesn't mean there was nothing between him and mandira, with time staying together can grow feelings and kaashvi wasn't insecure but the overthinker inside her won't

"with her" he continued voice steady but honest
"things were defined, structured it felt like a duty"

His hand slid from her cheek to her hair fingers combing gently grounding both of them

"it was just an alliance for benefit"

He paused choosing words with care not to glorify the past not to wound the present

"with you-"

Her brows knit slightly

"with me?"

"there is no comparison between you and her.... your mess" he said low almost fondly

"your chaos, the way you overthink and then come into my arms without asking"

"I have never thought about anyone this much before not because I didn't want - its just" he stopped for a moment not knowing how to explain and she looked at him with soft eyes and a small smile, fingers softly brushing his knuckles

He exhaled calming himself down

His jaw tightened a fraction

"With you in my arms even if life gets harder, it feels lighter it feels like home, the way your silence kills something inside me even one crack in your voice is enough to undo my entire day"

Her breath hitched for a moment this was the first time he was letting it all out telling her something about his inner self

"with her" he said finally

"I never sat for more than half an hour and thought nothing else mattered"

He stopped for a beat looking in her eyes finally

"with you I don't even want to consider moving"

Kaashvi's lips parted but no words came out

He leaned his forehead gently against her

"so no" he murmured softer now almost intimate

"no one is like you are in my life and no one can create their place in my soul like you have, its only you.. because you have carved the brightness into the darkness of my life"

She let out a small shaky laugh being emotional and buried her face back into his chest gripping his shirt

"hmm waise bhi hume pasand kiye bina reh nahi sakte log" she said her voice teasing but soft trying to lighten the mood

He chuckled quietly sound vibrating through his chest where her cheek rested

She didn't pull away

She shifted just a fraction enough that her cheek slid from the centre of his chest to the place where his heartbeat was the loudest

Her fingers tightened in his shirt knuckles whitening not in panic but in decision

"avi.." she breathed barely a sound

He felt it- the charge between them. The way her body wasn't seeking comfort anymore but the closeness.

His chuckle faded his arms loosened just enough to look down at her eyes darker now slower like he was giving her time to stop

But she didn't

She lifted her face looking in his eyes, moving near to his jaw. Her mouth brushed the rough line of his stubble, slow at first, like she was testing fire and asking all at once

A soft kiss then another, closer, warmer

His breath hitched his fingers around her tightened

"kaashvi" he murmured not a warning. Just her name

"I don't know how to say it but I know without you this brightness won't be the same anymore" she whispered slowly looking in his eyes

He froze for a half a heartbeat

Not because he didn't want her but because, he wanted her too much

Her words landed somewhere deep somewhere raw

His jaw tightened breath slow and controlled as if he was choosing restraint with effort rather than instinct

She leaned in again slower; her lips traced the edge of his jaw lingered beneath his ear

She could feel his pulse there fast and unguarded as she pressed a kiss there too, longer this time her breath warm against his skin

His hand slid from her hair to her nape finger curling not pulling just holding grounding himself

He could feel her proximity the heat of her body against his and his grip on her waist instinctively tightened unknowingly pulling her closer

The room felt quieter

She hesitated only once, lips hovering at his neck and he felt it - the question

He answered immediately by tilting his head not much but just enough

That was all it took she smiled against his skin

Her mouth found the hollow of his neck soft at first, her lips brushed against his skin she kissed him softly first

The tender kiss sent a wave of sensation through him every nerve in his body coming alive and a shiver ran down his spine

The feeling of her skin on his, her closeness against him and he closed his eyes

Her kiss lingered longer, and then her teeth grazed barely and she pulled back a little instantly startled at herself

But his breath was uneven now chest rising slower and heavier

"noor" he whispered voice rougher than before as if silently pleading for her to continue

Her lips returned gentler this time her lips brushing his neck softly sending a ripple of warmth through his body

She begins slow kissing the spot on his neck leaving a hot kiss searing into his skin slowly shit bit his skin not too harsh or painful but enough for him to groan

Leaning in more she gently soothes the pain away with her tongue, lips moving slowly over his skin knowing the effect she moves closer as she slowly sucked his skin there the tip of her tongue slowly caressing the stinging flesh

He exhaled shakily forehead dropping to her shoulder as if surrendering

"I don't know how much I can control" he breathed

His breath uneven against her shoulder

She pulled back from his neck as there was a faint mark now the bluish red mark making her smirk

Slowly she moves her head slightly near his ear

"let's loose it together then" she whispered near his ear her lips pressing softly on his ear lobe

He stilled

The moment her lips brushed his ear his restraint cracked

He felt it in the way his spine stiffened in the sharp inhale he couldn't hide in the way his hands tightened around her

Too close

Too much

He stayed still eyes closed as if he opened them, he'd lose the last thread holding him together

She smelled like warmth and hunger and something he called home- his home

For half a heartbeat his world narrowed to that whisper to the warmth of her breath against his ear the soft reckless courage in her voice

Then something in him finally gave

Not violently not rushed

His hand slid up to cradle the back of her head fingers threading into her hair, anchoring himself before he loses himself completely

He pulled back just enough to look at her

Her eyes were dark and steady but with the same softness- unafraid, wanting but still her

His jaw tightened a slow exhale left him controlled but strained

"noor" he said again lower now warning and surrender tangled together

She looked at him gaze locked with his as she slowly moves his hand that was intertwined with hers to her waist

He didn't rush

Aviraj shifted just enough to guide her back as he laid her down the mattress dipping softly beneath her weight

Her breath hitched not because of what he did but how careful he was with his control and restraint like she was something fragile he still was unsure how to touch

She lays their eyes searching his face the darkness of the dawn making the intensity grow more her eyes searching his face in the dim light chest rising unevenly

He hovered over her one arm braced on the side of her head body caging her without touching more than necessary

The other hand resting near her waist his presence alone felt like a calming pressure like gravity pulling her toward him

"kaashvi" he murmured low, a warning and a silent question

She looked at him and answered by lifting her hand and fisting his shirt pulling him just a fraction closer

His forehead dropped to hers first, breath warm against her skin

His gaze locked with hers then slowly his mouth traced her cheek slow, deliberate not hungry but certain followed by another kiss just below her cheekbone softer and deeper

She shivered under his touch her breath trembling her lashes fluttering shut as heat flooded her body her hands moving from his shirt to his shoulders

"avi.." she breathed barely a sound

His jaw tightened, eyes darkening

His mouth brushed her cheek first

Then lower along the curve of her jaw slower and deliberate with controlled possession

His breath warm against her skin his restraint louder than any hunger

He exhaled against her neck forehead resting briefly against her shoulder as if steadying himself for a moment she thought he'd pull away

Instead, his lips pressed to the hollow beneath her ear

His hand tightening at her waist like grounding both of them

He pressed a kiss near her ear then another slower heavier his lips lingering teeth barely grazing her skin
his hand that was holding her waist moves upwards towards her arm slowly tracing her arm to her shoulder as he touched her shoulder blades, the back of his fingers slowly brushing the exposed skin of her shoulder, fingertips tracing upward over the curve of her neck now

"is it ok?" he whispered against her ear his voice low and husky

Her lashes fluttered face burning crimson her lips trembling as she nodded too overwhelmed to form words

Her fingers that were on his shoulder moves to his hair, fingers curling into them slowly

That was all the permission he needed

His mouth returned this time pressing just a little harder at the side of her neck holding there for a long time, his teeth slowly grazing her skin

His lips descended onto the newly exposed skin pressing open mouth kisses along the curve of her neck

His lips lingered their sucking softly then harder leaving a flush mark of possession before soothing it with the tip of his tongue

She slowly tilted her head unknowingly as of willing to give more

He pulled back a little his thumb brushed the spot instinctively, possessive, protective, a helpless moan escaping her throat

The sound only made him groan low in response his lips trailing back up her neck biting and kissing every inch

His mouth wet and slow teasing and claiming as if trying to mark every inch just enough to make her whimper under him

Kaashvi gasped sharply arching beneath him her hands fisting in his hair

"avii..." she moaned voice breaking into pieces

"You taste so sweet baby.." he whispered near her ear

"And dangerous enough to make me want to lose myself"

From this close he could see her; the rise and fall of her chest the way her lashes trembled

The trust she had, the hunger and the invitation

He froze for a moment

Not because he didn't want her but because he wanted her too much

Her gasp echoed in his chest her hands tangled in his hair like she trusted him with something fragile, her body arched beneath him, trusting, open and that was exactly what snapped something inside him

The marks on her skin that he did, make something stir inside him something possessive and dangerously honest and that terrified him

He had lived life in restraint- words unsaid, control, emotions locked for him power came from control safety from distance he had never crossed any such lines

And here she was undoing all of that without even trying

She isn't thinking right now but he can't let both of them lose like this- not now at least

"if I don't stop now" he thought

"I won't know where to stop, she isn't ready yet"

His mouth left her skin

He didn't pull away fully, didn't rise, didn't break the closeness

He rested his forehead against her breath heavy, controlled with effort his hands braced on either side of her like he was holding himself back from a fall

From his point everything narrowed down to sensation and control fighting each other from here he can go further and feel everything with her but was it right? His mind raced.

Her name left him again- this time like a vow

"noor"

His thumb brushed her jaw, slow grounding as if reminding them both

He lifted his head to look at her, his eyes dark, focused and controlled with effort

His forehead came to rest against her collarbone while her hand slowly caressed the back of his head chest rising and falling hard against hers

His fingers flexing as if is letting go was taking real effort

He knew he wanted her. God, he wanted her bad - the way she tasted the way she reacted to him the way she trusted him enough to pull him this close.

But layered beneath that was something stronger; the need to protect her and what they were becoming not just what they felt in that moment

He exhaled slowly

His head lifted just enough to look at her

"I won't cross the line" he said quietly

"but I cant pretend I don't want you"

Her chest tightened as she looked at him

She reached up cupping his face slowly as if grounding him

"I wont regret anything with you" she whispered

That was what undid him his eyes softened but the control stayed

He leaned down pressing a kiss to her cheek

Then one to another cheek, slowly and then to her forehead

His eyes locked with her, hand cupping her face

His moves deliberate, controlled burning with everything he wasn't letting himself do

When his mouth finally brushed her neck again it was softer this time no claiming, no urgency just a lingering kiss that said 'I could but I won't'

He stayed there a second longer that he should have

The slowly he pulled back not far but just enough pressing her palm gently against his lips

"Wanting you" he said slowly softer now

"doesn't give me right to lose myself"

And that-

That was more intimate than anything else he could have done

Kaashvi felt it all

That was not rejection or coldness it was his control

Her body was still humming skin alive where he had touched her, her mind lagged behind her body for a second trying to catch up

He stopped

Not because he didn't desire her but

Because he was choosing her

Her breathing slowed as understanding replaced the haze

She saw it now the tensions in his shoulders the way his hands clenched at her sides like letting go took effort

"you are holding back" she whispered not accusing just noticing

He didn't deny it

"I don't ever want you to look back at a moment with me" he said quietly

"and wonder if I took something you weren't ready to give"

Something inside her softened and then steadies

Slowly she cupped his face in her hands her thumb brushing his cheek

She reached up not to pull him closer but to rest her palm against her chest over his heart feeling how fast it was beating despite his calm voice

"I am not afraid of you" she said just as softly

"and I am not afraid of wanting you"

He covered her hand with his anchoring it there his forehead resting against both of their eyes close living in the intensity of the moment

"then we will take our time" he said

"life with you is worth not rushing"

She smiled listening to him wrapping her hands around his neck hugging him softly while he wrapped his own hands around her

And in the quiet that followed they understood this wasn't the end of desire it was the beginning of their bond

Slowly he shifted not pulling away completely just enough to give them both space to breathe

He lay beside her instead turning slightly to her so she could tuck into him if she wanted

And she did

Quietly she rolled onto her side resting her head against his chest, not dramatic or shy just natural like her body already knew where it felt safe

His arm came around her automatically firm and warm holding her there his hand slowly brushing her hair and fixing her top covering both of them in the warmth of blanket

Neither of them spoke for a while

The silence wasn't awkward in sharp sense just tender the kind where you are aware of what just happened but also strangely calm about it

She traced a small absent-minded circle on his chest

"sorry" she murmured finally voice soft just honest

He huffed a quiet breath almost a laugh without humour and pressed a kiss into her hair

"don't" he said simply

"you didn't cross anything" he added lower now

"we just.... Touched something real"

Her fingers stilled she nodded

They stayed like that wrapped around each other

"hmm sahi hai momo ko lane ka assignment kahi se toh shuru karna hi tha" she said her voice low but teasing

He huffed a quiet laugh, chin resting against her head

"kuch bhi bolti ho tum" he murmured shaking his head slowly

She smiled into his chest eyes looking up at him fingers curled into his shirt

"chinta matt kariye aap jub tak nahi bolenge mai aapke sath kuch nahi karungi your consent matters avi"

she says in mock seriousness her expression serious but her lips pressed together trying not to laugh

He snorted softly eyes rolling at her antics

"hmm hmm" he hummed dryly one brow lifting as his thumb traced the lazy line along her arm

"warna toh mai bilkul barbaad ho jaata haina doctor sahiba?"

She looked up at hi, offended on purpose

"excuse me?"

He tilted his head eyes warm but teasing now

"imagine" he continued in same sarcastic tone

"agar tum itni samjhdaar, understanding naa hoti-"

He paused for a second

"kya hota mera"

Her lips twitched as she flipped her hairs lightly

"wahi toh avi dekh rahe hai aap kitni acchi biwi mili hai aapko"

He hummed thoughtfully looking at her face being lost in her smile then pulled her a fraction closer

For a few seconds neither of them spoke

They lay side by side, the room felt quieter

Kaashvi stared at a specific place for a moment as if drowned in her own thoughts

"kya soch rahi ho?" he asked

Then she turned her head toward him

Her voice came soft, thoughtful not teasing this time

"can we ...decide something?"

He glanced at her brow lifting slightly

"what kind of something?"

"like ...a phrase" she said tracing her finger over his heart

"only ours, like a comfort word...just when one of us says it the other knows"

She hesitated then added

"knows we need each other, or we are calling or we are saying a lot without saying anything

Even if silence takes over, those words will echo between us"

He was quiet for a beat, eyes searching her face for a moment he didn't say anything

"aree nahi banana to theek hai aise ghuro-" she was about to say being a little embarrassed thinking he might say its immature

But before she could complete, he pulled her closer slowly cupping her face, tracing his finger on her cheek

Then he nodded once

"say it"

She swallowed a shy smile forming

"Together remember"

The same words he said to her on her first day in his home- in their home, comforting her silently showing he was there for her

"you, me, us whenever life gets hard, whenever it feels like we are parting these words will remind us who we are to each other- together remember"

He looked at her eyes soft as he repeated under his breath

"Together remember"

Something softened in his chest he reached out threading his fingers through hers grounding

"so if you say it-" he started

"you will know" she finished

"even if I am joking or pretending I am fine"

"and if I say it" he added calmly

"you will know I am not going anywhere"

Her eyes warmed as she squeezed his hand once a promise more than a gesture

"deal" she whispered

Slowly he brought their joined hands near their lips as he pressed his lips against her back of hand while she pressed her lips against his, eyes never leaving each other

"together" she murmured

He smiled looking at her

"remember"

As they laid together in the quiet silence a sharp knock broke the cocoon around them

"bhabhiiii" ayra's sing- song voice floated in from the other side of the door far too cheerful

"bhabhiiii aaj movie day hai" advik's voice continued

Aviraj froze for half a second

Then he let out a low deeply offended groan forehead dropping burying his head in the crook of her neck like the universe itself had sent his siblings to betray him

"of course" he muttered voice flat

"exactly abhi hi"

Kaashvi felt the vibration of his irritation through his chest and bit her lip hard to stop herself from laughing but she failed as a soft giggle escaped her

"hatiye avi" she said trying to push him

Aviraj's arm instinctively tightened around kaashvi's waist pulling her closer to him almost possessive

"ignore them" he murmured near her hair voice lazy but edged

"waise inhe bua chacha banna hai par 2 minute akele chord de biwi ke sath toh pata nahi konsi aatma tadapti hai inki"

Kaashvi shook her head at his words lightly tapping his arms

Another knock came this time a little louder

"bhabhiiiii"

"bhaiya bhaut ho gaya chordo humari Bhabhi ko" advik said voice teasing

Kaashvi finally broke laughing properly now her shoulders shaking against him

She tilted her head just enough to look at him eyes sparkling

"avi uthiye abb"

"matt jao" he said voice low

He let out a long-exaggerated sigh, forehead dropping lightly against her shoulder

"mann karta hai dur le chalu tumhe, sabse dur sirf tum aur mai" he muttered eyes closing for a second

She laughed again softer this time warmth spreading in her chest at the way he said those words- just reluctant to let go

Her finger slid up to the back of his head slowly craessing

"avi" she said gently now not teasing not pushing

"bhaiya Bhabhi ko bhejo na" ayra said again

"hum wait kar rahe hai bhabhi ka" advik said

Aviraj opened his eyes glanced at the door that was it

"or mai baat kar raha hu apni biwi se niklo dono aa jayegi woh thodi der mei" he said voice loud enough

Aviraj's voice carried that unmistakable finality - calm, firm and non-negotiable

Kaashvi's eyes widened as she lightly smacked his arm

"pagal hai kya aap" she murmured being done

"ayra advik aa rahi hu mai thodi der mei" she again her voice loud enough but also a little embarrassed

Outside advik and ayra smirked shaking their heads

"ye dekho waise kisi ki naa suune bhai or yaha 'mai biwi se baat kar raha hu' advik mimicked aviraj's line making ayra laugh

"no worries Bhabhi aaram se aana take your time" she yelled back with a teasing mischief in her voice

"or iske baad toh chachu bana hi dena" advik yelled

Their footsteps retreated still whispering and giggling like children who witnessed something funny

Inside the room kaashvi's cheek warmed

"aap na mujhse pit jaoge avi" she said being done with him

Aviraj let out a slow unapologetic hum clearly unbothered by her threat

"abb tumhare sath rehne ke liye pitne ka risk lena pade toh wo bhi Manzoor hai" he said calmly eyes still closed arms snug around her like her had zero intention of moving

Kaashvi stared at him for a second

"kaha se laate ho aisi baatein" she muttered trying to wriggle free but her smile lingering on her face

He finally opened his eyes then- lazy, warm, amused one brow arched

"tumse" he replied simply

"tum ho isliye hai, sirf tumhare liye"

She scoffed rolling her eyes but her smile betraying her resistance

Pushing at his chest again

"hatto abb"

Instead of loosening his hold he shifted just enough to tuck her closer forehead brushing her hair

"jao" he said softly teasing laced with something deeper

"par-"

She looked up

"kya?"

His thumb brushed her cheek softly

"together remember"

Her breath hitched for a second then she smiled- slow, knowing, soft

"humesha" she whispered back

Only then did he finally let go reluctantly as she ran into bathroom leaving him grinning behind her

The dining table was already full by the time kaashvi came down

Plates clinked softly the smell of fresh parathas and ghee filling the room

Everyone was settled ayra, advik busy in their own talks

Aviraj's father reading news headlines

Dhruv talking with chachaji

Aviraj's mother talking to chachi

Conversations overlapping, the familiar Sunday chaos humming comfortably on the background

As kaashvi came her mother-in-law saw her and walked to her eyes warm but assessing

"kaashvi" she walked to her

"abb kaisi hai tabiyat" she asked pressing her palm lightly on her cheek

"chhakkar toh nahi aa rahe?"

"I am fine maa" kaashvi replied softly offering a reassuring smile

"bass thodi weakness thi raat ko"

"arey ek toh vrat upar se unn ladies ke kehne par dance" chachi chimed in from across the table

"pura din vrat or raat ko-"

Before she could complete ayra cut in

"aur raat ko romance" ayra finished with a wicked grin wriggling her brows

The table erupted into quiet laughter

Chachi gasped theatrically "ayraa!"

Advik slapped the table while laughing

"jo bhi bolo koi toh exception hai bhai ke liye warna humesha gabbar bane ghumte"

Kaashvi's face went from pink to crimson in half a second

As kaashvi came to the table advik of course wasn't going to let go

He leaned forward elbows on table eyes sparkling with mischief

"Bhabhi waise baatein hui puri?"

Kaashvi looked at him

"advik" she hissed and shot him a warning look

Her mother-in-law just shook her head

"bass karo tum dono khana toh khane do phir din bhar tumne Bhabhi ke piche hi pade rehna hai"

Kaashvi exhaled and sat down

Her mother-in-law gave her a fond knowing smile and squeezed her hand gently

Just then footsteps echoed from the hall way and then she saw him

Aviraj walked in from the side corridor sleeves rolled neatly crisp shirt tucked into dark trousers watch already on his wrist

Kaashvi's brows furrowed instantly, her heart sank before her brain could catch up

For a split second she just stared

"bhaut badiya" she groaned internally

"ye dimag kya office chordke aate hai, Sunday bhi gaya"

She resisted the urge to groan out loud

Aviraj came his aura calm as ever as he sat beside kaashvi who solely ignored his existence now

"inke sath kalesh se hi kaam chalana padega" she thought

His mother's eyes narrowed immediately

"yeh kya pehna hai?"

He paused just a fraction

"kapde?" he said simply

His mother didn't look amused

"beta who toh hume bhi dikh raha hai bina kapdo ke toh aayega nahi tu"

The dining table went quiet for a moment and then everyone burst into laughter

Advik laughed holding the table ayra's eyes lit up while dhruv tried hard to supress his laughter but failed miserably

Aviraj straightened slightly glaring at his sibling's tone neutral but guarded

"office jaana hai thodi der ke liye"

Kaashvi's fingers tightened around the edge of her plate

"thodi der ofcourse raat ke 12 baje inka bhoot wait karta hai inke liye" she thought

Kaashvi stabbed a piece of paratha with unnecessary force which didn't go unnoticed by advik, ayra, dhruv and even aviraj

He noticed- ofcourse he did

His gaze flickered to her just once

One eyebrow lifted slightly that silent 'kya hua'

She didn't answer, didn't even looked at him just took a dramatic sip of water

Ayra noticed advik noticed they exchanged a knowing look

"aree Bhabhi aaram se parantha hai woh missile nahi" advik said making kaashvi look at her

"haa kaashvi operation theatre hospital mei hai yaha nahi" dhruv continued

Ayra bit her lip to stop smiling

"nahi woh aise hi" kaashvi said voice low eyes fixed on plate

"waise bhaiya" advik added innocently

"agar ek din nahi jaoge toh company karze mei nahi jayegi"

Everyone chuckled shaking their head, kaashvi bit her lip trying not to laugh out loud

Aviraj shot him a look that could silence a room

"haa beta aaj toh bhai sahab or mai bhi ghar par hi hai" chacha ji said nodding

As everyone talked while eating aviraj's hand moved quietly under the table slow and careful fingers brushing against hers like a question

Just a light touch

Kaashvi felt it instantly her eyes widening for a second as she looked around if anyone noticed

Her shoulders stiffened and without looking at him she slid her hand back tucking it into her lap

Aviraj looked at her being confused his jaw tightened

He glanced at her face again, searching but she kept her eyes fixed stubbornly on her plate

Ayra bit her lip to stop smiling

Advik leaned back in his chair sensing the couple's drama

Dhruv coughed hiding a smirk behind his glass

The three knowing well what was going under the table
aviraj again tried to take a hold of her hand only for her to pinch his hand

Aviraj stiffened for a second at the pinch- more surprised than hurt but didn't leave her hand

His brows knit together as she looked at her

Under the table his fingers curled again slower now

He brushed the back of her hand deliberately

Kaashvi's jaw tightened as she slid her hand away again

Aviraj exhaled through his nose the smallest tell of irritation

Across the table ayra caught the exchange she nudged advik with her elbow gesturing towards them

Advik smiled mischievously

"bhai haanth dard toh nahi kara" he said casually eating

Kaashvi just looked at him with "aaj tu gaya" look while aviraj glared

"tere haanth dard karau abhi?" he said

"khana kha chup chap" kaashvi said glaring at him

Dhruv looked at them with a small knowing a teasing smile

Under the table, aviraj leaned just a fraction closer his knee brushing hers making her glare at him as they talked with their eyes only

His voice dropped meant only for her as he said

"kya hua?"

She finally turned enough for him to see the storm in her eyes

"nothing" she said sweetly dangerously sweet

"aap office jaiye na or haa late mat hona theek hai?" she said in mock sweetness with a tight-lipped smile

The words were polite the tone exact opposite

Aviraj went still but didn't say much again

As they were eating suddenly priya's gaze lingered a second too long on aviraj

Not his face or his plat but his neck her eyes squinting brows furrowed as she looked at him not suspicion just a mother's sharp all seeing instinct

"raj" she casually looking at him

"ye gardan par kya hua?"

The table stilled for a moment every eye turning to him and the table stilled for a moment

Dhruv, ayra and advik tried to take a look carefully of his neck now being curious

The elders being confused looked at him

While as kaashvi peeked a little from her side her eyes widened her soul left her body as she quickly ducked her head down

Her head snapped so fast for a moment her chair almost screeched her eyes went straight to his neck again and there it was

The faint unmistakable reddish blue mark not fully hidden - her mark

And her cheeks went up in flames as she closed her eyes for a second

"ohh noo kanha jii" her mind screamed

"inhe concealer toh lagaya hi nahi"

"or ye pagal aadmi kuch aur pehen lete chupa lete aise time par inka bheja marathon bhaagne chala jaata hai kya" she cursed in her mind

Aviraj paused for a second

"kya?" he asked genuinely confused lifting his hand towards the curve of his neck

Before he could say anything ayra choked on her food as her eyes now saw the mark

Advik coughed dramatically

"woh paani paani.." he said eyes widened and watering absolutely not because of the spice

Dhruv being surprised himself pressed his knuckles to his lips shoulders shaking

Other elders looked at them being confused

While aviraj who don't have any idea what they were talking about looked at them being confused his hands still covering the neck unknowingly

"nahi nahi maa aajkal macchar bhaut hai shayad, haina Bhabhi?" ayra said her voice teasing but trying to sound genuinely innocent and concerned as she tried to bite inside of her cheek to not laugh

Kaashvi just looked down pretending to be engrossed in eating

Dhruv's glass paused mid-way to his lips as he smiled teasingly

"haa lekin thandiyo mei kaha se macchar inke kamre mei alag hi jaa rahe hai kya?" chachi ji said voice curious and confused now

Advik made a sound somewhere between cough and a strangled laugh

Aviraj who was getting nothing looked at kaashvi with raised brows as if silently asking 'what's happening?"

Kaashvi shot him a murderous look while his eyes flickered between everyone, irritation blooming

"aap log kya-?" as aviraj was about to ask kaashvi's hands quickly shook as she unlocked her phone hurriedly under the table

She typed two words bold and brutal just enough for him to know and then slid the screen towards him quietly keeping the phone on his lap

HICKEY the word written in bold

As he looked at her and then down at the phone his breath hitched

For the first time since morning, he actually looked flustered

His ears turned red, his jaw tightened as he looked at her first who was looking down rubbing her forehead with her finger then his eyes move towards his sibling who were grinning and smirking like devils

He immediately tugged at his collar adjusting it higher

"shayad shaving cut hoga haina bhaiya?" ayra said looking at him with innocent eyes but teasing voice

"aree aajkal pollution se bhi allergy hoti hai, kyu raj?" dhruv added nodding far too seriously

Kaashvi didn't look at any of them she stared very intently at her plate

"aree par aajkal keede bhi kaat dete haina bhaut zyada" advik said showing mock concern

"hmm bade bade keede ho gaye hai aajkal" ayra said nodding seriously

"aree bade nahi kuch kuch bhaut chote chote bhi bade bade nishaan de dete hai, hai na raj bhaiya?" advik said looking at him trying to sound concerned

Aviraj being done with their commentary cleared his throat once sharply

"bass karo nishaan hai bass" he said flatly eyes warning but the damage was already done

The elders being confused looked at them

"tum log kya kya bole jaa rahe ho keede, razor, pollution" chachaji said

Ayra instantly switched gear being all innocent

"kuch nahi papa bass bhaiya ki skin sensitive ho gayi hai" she said

"Bhabhi aap toh doctor ho aap bhaiya par dhyan dena"

Kaashvi's head snapped for half a second eyes wide then she immediately looked back down cheeks burning so hard

Aviraj trying to act calm and composed his face unreadable but eyes glaring at his siblings

Dhruv leaned back pretending to be thoughtful

"haa badi maa sensitive cases hote hai especially jub raat ko-"

He coughed loudly covering the rest of the sentence with a sip of water

"dhruv" aviraj warned while dhruv just shrugged

Advik fully enjoying added

"bhaiya collar upar kardo hawa lag jayegi na"

Chachi ji who was listening to all of their talks looked at them eyes narrowing

"sab samaj aa raha hai mujhe bhi or bass karo tum teeno abb"
she said to the three of them who were trying to control their laughter

"kaashvi beta tu aviraj ke koi cream yaa kuch laga diyo baad mei or thoda dhyan diya karo dono aajkal mausam bhi waise hi haina" she said eyes shining with mischief

Ayra, advik and dhruv who tried to control hard now finally burst out laughing

Kaashvi and aviraj just looked down not able to see anyone in their embarrassment

"hey dharti maa mujhe apne andar sama lo or iss aadmi ke khopde ka bhoosa nikaldo" she thought glaring at him while he just looked down rubbing his head avoiding her glare

Priya just looked at them and malini

"malini tu bhi shuru ho gayi baccho ke sath aakhir bol kya rahe ho sab?" she said being confused

"arre Bhabhi matlab Mausam waisa hai na toh ho jaata hai kabhi kabhi" malini said her tone was casual but her eyes sparkled a little too knowingly

"arre par kya ho jaata hai hume bhi batao bhai" vivek said listening to his wife's words

"aree aap log ko nahi pata Mausam ka asar hota hai ...sardiyan, thakaan, nazdeek..." she added lightly but stopped mid-way looking at kaashvi and aviraj

Ayra, advik and dhruv listened while being surprised and laughing hard

"mummy" dhruv said trying to stop his mother but not able to hide his laughter

Kaashvi's ears burned

She pressed her lips together refusing to look up her fingers curling into her dupatta

Aviraj who tried to look not bothered for once in his life wanted the dining table to swallow him whole

His shoulders stiff his gaze fixed somewhere between his plate and the wall

Ayra leaned towards malini while whispering far too loudly

"dekha? Hum toh bass hint de rahe thae chachi ne poora paragraph likh diya"

Advik snorted

"bhaiya aaj cover hoke jaana you know 'aaj Mausam bada beimaan hai bada-" advik said while singing and looking around gesturing to kaashvi

Dhruv shook his head chuckling

"bass bass abb khane do usse"

Aviraj finally cleared his throat voice calm but very carefully neutral

"khana thand ho gaya hai" he said like that was the biggest problem in the room

Kaashvi shot him a sideways look sharp, warning

He caught it

Under the table his hand brushed hers again- slowly this time almost apologetic

She hesitated.... then didn't pull away instead she squeezed his fingers once quick and quiet

As breakfast was almost done everyone stood up suddenly aviraj's phone buzzed sharply on the table cutting through the conversation

He glanced at the screen once and took the phone

Without a word he pushed his chair back and stood up already slipping the phone into his hair

"I have to take this" he said voice neutral eyes flicking briefly to kaashvi

For a second their gazes met hers still flushed a little annoyed but she nodded lips pressed in a thin line while his eyes unreadable but softer as he looked at her

He walked away to his working room the doors closing behind him as his voice dropped into that calm seriousness, authoritative tone reserved only for work

As he disappeared

Kaashvi looked at him and exhaled hard

Everyone being still sitting together talked about random things, news, work and more

Kaashvi picked up her phone under the table her fingers typing fast as she messaged in a group chat 'eena, meena, deeka'. A group chat of her, ayra and advik

She sent the message

"important!!! Emergency!!!!"

Both of their phones rang together as they looked at the phone and then at kaashvi who silently gestured for them to check

Ayra opened the chat first while advik dramatically nodded as if taking orders from commander

Ayra typed back instantly

"kya huaa bhabhiii

Nausea? Bp? Aviraj bhai?" she typed while smiling mischievously

Advik leaned closer to his phone while smiling

"bolo bolo kya emergency hai?"

Kaashvi looked at both of them who gave her teasing smiles and then her thumb flew over screen her eyes serious

"target has escaped to library

Mission: STOP HIM FROM GOING OFFICE

Code name: NARKASUR"

Ayra bit her lip hard to stop smiling and laughing and advik slapped a hand over his mouth shoulders shaking

Ayra glanced toward the door where aviraj had disappeared then typed

"plan?"

Kaashvi looked up for half a second aviraj still hadn't come back then she typed

"act one: emotional distraction"

Advik looked at the screen fully concentrated in planning

"par karenge kya or kaise?"

Kaashvi looked at him being done her reply coming instantly

"ye bhi mai batau tu sochna kuch"

Ayra: bhai ko lock kar dete hai room mei

Advik: haa phir hum jo humara bahar jaana band hoga wo tu sambhalegi

Kaashvi: ek kaam karte hai I will fake fall

Advik choked on his water

Advik: fake fall?? Bhabhi ye high risky strategy hai bhai bhaut tez hai

Kaashvi: toh?? Hum bhi birbal ke chacha lagte hai rishte mei who tez hai toh kya

Ayra quickly typed eyes sparkling with mischief

Ayra: approved I will handle family and situation

Advik: I will handle dramatic overreaction

Kaashvi smirked

Kaashvi: and I will handle my pati

Ayra: rip bhaiya

The three smiled while looking at the screens

Kaashvi: operation Sunday shutdown begins

Ayra's lips twitched the moment she read the message her eyes glinting

Advik's grin spread slow and dangerous the kind that meant "abb aayega maza"

Both of them lifted their eyes at the exact same time straight to kaashvi

Kaashvi didn't smile but smirked and raised one brow looking at them

The three of them talking with their eyes

Dhruv who was seeing them for quite some time now noticed immediately

"kya ho gaya teeno phone mei lage ho?" he asked suspicious eyes moving between their face

The three looked at each other and then smiled

Ayra locked her phone and shrugged putting on her most innocent expression

"bass girly stuff bhai"

"important girly stuff" advik said solemly without realising what he was saying

Dhruv looked at him with furrowed brows as kaashvi and ayra facepalmed themselves in their minds at his ridiculous answers

"tu kyu girly stuff dekh raha tere shauk badi jaldi nahi badal gaye?" dhruv said

Advik realising what he said suddenly shook his head looking at kaashvi

"nahi bhaiya ye humari help kar raha tha mujhe or ayra ko bata raha tha kya accha lag sakta hai"

Advik sighed in relied while dhruv still being suspicious nodded but not fully convinced

"haa haa bhaiya you know mujhe ladkiyo ka bhaut experience hai" he said while smiling

Elders looked at them with weird expressions

"kya kaha?" Priya asked narrowing her eyes

Advik quickly corrected while stammering

"aree mummy matlab ye fashion trends wagera pata rehte hai..bass aise hi" he tried to explain

Sensing the situation kaashvi quickly stood up smoothing her dupatta tone far too casual as she looked around

"maa mai upar jaa rahi hu headache ho raha hai"

Ayra immediately stood up to looking at kaashvi then at elders

"same mujhe bhi migraine vibes"

Advik followed them like it was a planned choreography

"mai bhi matlab mera bhi sympathy headache dono ko dekh ke mai sar dabaunga sabke"

The elders looked at them like they had just witnessed a very poorly rehearsed drama being done with their antics

Malini looked at them eyes moving from kaashvi to ayra to advik- slow, suspicious and sharp

"teeno ko ek sath"? she asked flatly

"ye kaisa naya virus hai?"

"aree mummy hum sath rehte hai na toh isliye bass teeno ko" ayra said smiling innocently

"haa haa hum chalte hai kahi aap logo ko bhi naa ho jaaye" advik said hurriedly

"theek toh hona teeno?" Priya asked being concerned

"we are fine maa" kaashvi said quickly smile too bright as she stepped forward

"bass rest kar lete hai na"

Dhruv leaned back in his chair arms crossing slowly watching three of them now standing closer together

"interesting" he said dryly

"teen log 1 headache suddenly"

Advik froze for half a second and then grinned

"aree bhaiya aap bhi na kitna overthinking kar rahe ho take a chill pill"

Ayra quickly grabbed kaashvi and advik's wrists

"chalo chalo warna headache emotional ho jaye...I mean badh jayega"

Every elder looked at them weirdly being confused

They practically marched towards the stairs whispering furiously the moment they were out of earshot

"plan a yaa b"

Ayra hissed

"abe plan b" advik whispered back

"theek hai par pehle thodi jasoosi karni hogi chalo"

"aye aye captain" advik said cracked his knuckles dramatically while ayra laugh behind her hand

Dhruv looking at them leaned back in his chair

"pakka koi gadbad karne wale hai"

Elders looked at them shaking their head

"teen teen bache ho rakhe hai ghar par abb" malini said while smiling

On the other hand, the three of them moved like trained spies in their own heist

Kaashvi led them dupatta gathered in her fist steps light but determined as she looked around eyes scanning every corner

Ayra followed right behind her, tip toeing dramatically like a cartoon thief while advik being far too tall, loud and excited among them for someone claiming to be sick with "sympathy headache" moved behind them

They paused at a corned looking around

Kaashvi lifted a finger, eyes sharp indicating for them to stop as a maid was leaving from front

Ayra nodded with exaggerated seriousness, pressing her back to the wall like she was in an action movie, but advik being advik bumped into her anyway

"abe kya kar raha hai pagal" ayra whispered

"aree sorry na pata nahi chala" he whispered back rubbing his head

"shh-" kaashvi hissed looking around

"arre mai saans bhi nahi le raha" advik whispered back

They moved forward again slowly finally reaching their destination the office room door was slightly open just a little for them to peek and listen a little

From inside they can hear aviraj's voice low, controlled unmistakably in work mode

Kaashvi slowed as she looked at the door

Her heart thudded not fear not guilt but curiosity

"yaar meri bhaut buri wali phatt rahi hai sasural mei chor bahu banke ghoom rahi hu" she whispered to them

"kya hai Bhabhi pati par toh nazar rakhni padti hai or abb kya dar rahe chalo abb" ayra said

Kaashvi nodded as they moved forward and reached the door

Ayra leaned in first ear pressed to the door but she didn't hear much

She motioned kaashvi to come closer

Kaashvi bent slightly below her placing her ear careful not to touch the door her brows knit as she focused and tried to hear

Advik not to be left out bent down to as there was no space he was the last one so he awkwardly crouched, sitting beneath kaashvi pressing his ear near the handle his head tilted at an impossible angle

Now the three of them were in awkwardly difficult messed up position ayra standing ears on door slightly bent, kaashvi below her slightly bent and advik at last on the bottom properly crouched on his knees

From inside they heard -

"...no tell them I will review the reports myself" aviraj said calmly and the paused

"no Sunday doesn't change the urgency"

Kaashvi's lips pressed into a thin line, eyes squinting

Ayra rolled her eyes silently: dekha bola tha na

Advik mouthed: neta mode activated

Another voice crackled faintly through the phone but aviraj's reply was sharp

"we cannot compromise on this"

Kaashvi inhaled slowly irritation flaring

"accha Rishte or family time compromise ho sakta hai adiyal aadmi" she muttered

Ayra leaned in closer whispering barely above breath

"lagta hai bhaiya ki pehli or aakhiri Mohabbat hi office hai"

Before any of them could respond suddenly the floor creaked

All three of them froze, eyes wide, breath held as the looked at each other

They heard the footsteps thinking someone was coming but then-

The footsteps passed somewhere down the corridor someone talking faintly

As they waited there was silence again

Three of them sighed in relief advik wiped the imaginary sweat off his forehead mouthing 'bach gaye'

They again heard aviraj's voice trying to catch his words now too engrossed in their mission

As they were all listening being in mid-mission mode bodies bent forward ear practically glued to the door

"shh awaaz aa rahi hai" advik whispered urgently

Suddenly a hand tapped on his shoulder making him irritated

"matt karo" advik hissed irritated swatting the hand away

Then he felt another tap firmer this time

"matt karo na concentration bigad raha hai" he said again

The hand again tapped his shoulder

"aree bola na-" he was about to sau

"maine kya kiya?" kaashvi cut in whispering defensively thinking ayra was the one poking advik

And then all three of them froze eyes widening

Kaashvi looked up at ayra first who have same expression as her "gaye aaj"

Then she looked down at advik who looked like he just saw a ghost

Slowly very slowly they turned together

Dhruv stood right behind them

Arms crossed, brows arched expression calm in that terrifying amused way as he looked like he caught the trouble makers

There was a full three second silence

As the three of them were in the same position ayra on top, kaashvi in middle, advik bent down

Ayra blinked first, once, twice

Kaashvi's mouth opened and then closed trying to say something

Advik swallowed looking here and there

"hi bhai" he said weakly

Dhruv looked at the door then at the way all three of them were stacked ayra in front kaashvi half bent, advik practically crouching like a spy from a low budget movie

He tilted his head looking at them

"headache theek ho gaya teeno ka? Kyuki dekh kar lag rah cid join karne ki taiyari mei ho"

Kaashvi stood up first straightening instantly smoothening her dupatta

"wo bhaiya-" she said brain racing

"haa hum na architecture dekh rahe thae"

Ayra listening to her nodded furiously

"haa bhai ventilation"

Advik added helpfully

"haa soundproofing bhi"

Dhruv stared at them with a bored look that screamed 'pagal samjha hai kya mujhe'

He stared at them and then at the door again

From inside aviraj's low controlled voice came faintly

Dhruv exhaled through his nose a slow amused breath shaking his head

"right" he said "architecture"

He leaned closer lowering his voice just enough

"aur kya plan hai phir? Report likhoge yaa seedha evidence submit karoge"

Kaashvi bit her lip being caught

Ayra couldn't help anymore and snorted while advik groaned

"kya bhai please Bhabhi ke liye kar rahe thae"

Kaashvi looked at him smacking his arm feeling betrayed

"abe oye dholki dhokebaaz" kaashvi said being done

"kya chotu Bhabhi plan aapka hi tha" advik said

Dhruv's lips twitched despite himself as he shook his head

Before they could say more, he straightened and knocked lightly on the door once

Aviraj's voice paused mid-sentence

The trio's eyes widened as they looked at dhruv

Dhruv glanced at them

"bass itni hi warning hai" he said calmly

"yaa toh tum log yaha se gayab ho jao"

He again knocked the door louder

"-yaa phir andar jo scene hoga uska zimmedar main nahi"

The door handle shifted from inside

Kaashvi's eyes widened panic hitting as ayra grabbed her wrist

Advik hissed

"bhagooo"

They scattered instantly ayra nearly tripping advik bumping into the wall kaashvi grabbing both of them by sleeved and dragging them away just as the door handle turned

In one prefect chaotic movement the three spun and ran down the corridor

Dhruv watched them disappear shaking his head with a fond smile

"gadhe"

He muttered to himself

Behind him the door opened aviraj stepped out phone still in hand eyes sharp

He looked at dhruv and then down the corridor

"koi bhaaga kya yaha se?"

Dhruv looked at him

"nahi toh aise hi laga hoga" he said shrugging

Kabir who came just now slowed when he reached the corridor brows knitting as he watched three figures disappear around the corner at record speed

As he walked to dhruv and aviraj

"ye teeno aise kyu bhaage jaise kutta piche pada ho" he said genuinely confused

Dhruv who was standing there let out a breath though nose half amusement half being done

"pagal hai teeno apne mei hi pata nahi kya kya karte hai" he said

Soon aviraj, Kabir and dhruv stepped out coming down the corridor

Aviraj slipping his phone in pocket, Kabir talking about something related to work while dhruv adjusting his watch like he was already in work mode

The trio stood in the hall waiting for the opportunity

Kaashvi's eyes narrowed as she looked

That was it

She slowly lifted her hand gesturing

Ayra leaned in whispering

"operation Sunday shutdown begins"

Advik grinned like a criminal mastermind giving a thumbs up

"execute"

Kaashvi nodded once sharp and determined as she looked at them coming

Kaashvi's pulse kicked up a notch as the three men drew closer their footsteps echoing faintly, the house suddenly felt too quiet

Aviraj walked in middle shoulders set in that unmistakable work mode posture; Kabir was mid-sentence saying something while dhruv walked beside him listening

They looked unstoppable

Kaashvi tightened her grip on the edge of her dupatta

"aaj nahi neta ji" she thought

She lifted her fingers slowly deliberately two fingers up and then downward motion

Ayra caught it instantly her lips curved into a mischievous smile as she started walking acting like nothing was happening

Advik's grin spread like he had just been handed a lead role in a heist movie he cracked his knuckles sitting on couch acting like nothing happened and he was busy scrolling

Kaashvi didn't smile this time

Her expression sharpened focused determined

She nodded once firm and final

"execute"

"Bhabhi 2-3 aansoo bhi nikal dena bhai pighal jayenge jaldi" ayra messaged kaashvi

As the three men were about to leave the moment aviraj turned to the main door

Kaasvhi took hurried two steps forward and dramatically stumbled

Not a tiny slip

A full-fledged filmy slow-motion stumble

She stumbled forward just enough for it to look real her foot catching the edge of the carpet as her body tilted sideways

"aaa aviiiii" she screamed

Aviraj who was about to leave reacted on pure instinct as he heard her scream his head snapped up mis step

"bhabhii" ayra shouted dramatically running to her

aviraj turned so fast Kabir nearly collided into him

As he turned, he saw her on ground holding her leg

He didn't think, didn't waited he didn't hear anyone saying anything

The moment her voice hit him panicked, sharp- his everything else vanished

"noor" his voice dropped instantly all authority gone just worried

He crossed the distance in three long strides dropping to his knees beside her without caring who was watching his hand already on her arms steadying and grounding

"Where?" he asked urgently eyes scanning her face then her leg and then back to her eyes

"Did you twist it? Are you feeling dizzy? Tell me"

Kaashvi sat on the marble floor dupatta half slipped one hand clutching her ankle the other holding his hand now

Her face was scrunched in exaggerated pain lips trembling just a little too dramatically

Behind her ayra bit her lip to stop smiling

Advik looked his shoulders shaking

"waah Bhabhi ko toh Oscar de do koi"

"meri bhabhii zyada lag gayii kya hey ram ye kaise hua" advik said looking at her as usual doing his theatrics

Dhruv froze mid step his expression worried but then his eyes found ayra and advik their expression looking not so worried and then he understood everything

Dhruv pinched the bridge of his nose looking down being done

Kabir looked being equally worried

"kaashvi" he said going to her before he could dhruv stopped him next to him

"naatak kar rahi hai" he whispered making Kabir furrow his brows

Aviraj who was already on his kneed in front of her

The panic in his eyes was instant

His hand slowly cupping her ankle carefully not pressing much

"zyada dard hai" his voice dropped looking at her pained expression and trembling lips

She looked at him and for a second, she felt guilty lying to him like this when he was this much worried for her

"sorry avi but ek din sath rehne ke liye itna toh banta hai" she thought

She leaned into him holding his shirt eyes slightly moistened

"bhaut dard ho raha hai avi" she muttered looking down as she winced dramatically

He looked at her being worried his one hand cupping her foot while other on her head slowly caressing her hair

"shh.. abhi theek ho jayega bacha" he said slowly taking her in his arms

"pairr...shayad toot gaya avi" she breathed eyes fluttering just enough to sell it

Behind her ayra looked at her being surprised by her acting and her brother so softly comforting his wife

Advik looked trying to not laugh his shoulders shaking

Dhruv looked at the scene infront of him closing his eyes and shaking his head

Kabir being stunned just looked like he has seen a miracle

Aviraj however didn't look anywhere else didn't hear anything else already in worried husband mode

He lifted her foot gently

"yaha?"

She let out a small painful whine

"thoda"

That was it

Aviraj's jaw clenched, without another word he slid one arm behind her back the other under her knees and lifted her off the floor like she weighed nothing

Ayra's eyes widened

Advik smirked

Kabir just shook his head

"langdi biwi ke pyar mei andha pati" he muttered looking at aviraj's stupidity for not realising she was acting

"avi" kaashvi whispered eyes wide now as she grabbed his shoulder

"you are not walking" he said flatly already turning toward the couch

"not on my watch"

"but avi-"

"kaashvi" he said looking at her his eyes serious making her stop speaking

Kabir folded his arms

"Damn one scream and this man forgot everything"

Dhruv narrowed his eyes

"jaanti hai woh ki kaise rokna hai usse"

Aviraj gently set down kaashvi on couch crouching again immediately hands back at her ankle gently caressing

Everyone around gathered even the elders came

Priya came rushing looking at kaashvi sitting and aviraj holding her foot

"kya hua beta?" she asked voice worried

"gir gayi humari Bhabhi" Kabir said voice showing concern but eyes looking like he knows everything making advik ayra and kaashvi gulp in nervousness

"is it hurting bad?" aviraj asked still holding her foot his expression serious but worried

Kaashvi swallowed looking down

She realised his concern just because of a little twist of leg

His warm hand on her feet

The way his face lost every trace of authority

"par giri kaisi?" malini asked

Kaashvi hesitated for a beat too long

Ayra cleared her throat

"woh I guess her leg got stumbled in the carpet" she said

"haa Bhabhi ka pairr shayad carpet mei ulajh gaya tha meri Bhabhi, zyada dard hai kya ambulance bulau?" advik said supporting making everyone look at him weirdly for a second

Ayra trying to look worried nudged him silently

"abe gadhe over acting kum kar"

Dhruv and Kabir looked at them being done while advik and ayra royally ignored their stairs

"Bhabhi ke chamche dekho toh teeno ek se badhke ek shaitaan ke baap, behne ho rakhe hai" Kabir muttered

"ruko mai balm leke aati hu" Priya said

All this while kaashvi stayed quiet looking down eyes not meeting anyone's while aviraj's eyes didn't leave her face the way her gaze was down, her fingers fidgeting, her throat bobbled he knew she was nervous

His eyes narrowed at her then his eyes move from her face to ayra and then to advik and back to kaashvi

Aviraj straightened slowly

He didn't shout he didn't say anything though he understood ...very well what all this was so suddenly

"dhruv cancel today's work tell them we are not coming" the words landed heavy and final

For a second no one moved just looked at each other

Dhruv blinked once twice like he wasn't sure if he heard right

Kabir's brow shot up his mouth parting in surprise before a slow impressed grin tugged at his lips

Ayra's eyes also widened dramatically but she smiled

Advik also smiles winking at kaashvi

Kaashvi's head snapped up

"sachi?" she blurted out being excited before she could stop but then quickly composed again trying to look innocent

"par aapka kaam.." she said looking at him eyes blinking innocently

Aviraj didn't look at anyone else his gaze stayed on her

He knew what she wanted but he wanted her to say it directly to directly tell him not even ask just tell him 'don't go' and he would have left everything without any question

He crouched again infront of her one knee on floor this time face to face

"I said" he repeated firmly

"cancel todays work"

Dhruv cleared his throat already pulling his phone out

"I will handle it" he said voice neutral but eyes flicking to ayra and advik who were royally ignoring Kabir and dhruv's gazes

Kabir leaned closer to dhruv whispering under his breath

"ek baar mai pura zameen mei dhansne wali haalat mei tha phir bhi iss kamine ne mujhe basketball khilaya tha gaddaar saala"

Dhruv just rolled his eyes shaking his head but the corner of his mouth twitching

Ayra bit her lips trying not to laugh while advik showed a thumbs up to kaashvi

As everyone was now busy in their own kaashvi just looked mortified

She stared at aviraj's eyes wide guilt flooding in now

She wanted him to stay but lying was not that easy for her and after seeing how much he cares she can't

"avi wo-" she started voice lowering

"itna serious nahi tha matlab aise-"

He cut her off with a single look and slowly brought his hand to hers

Kaashvi looked around to see if anyone saw her cheeks burning instantly

She looked down and whispered something meant only for him

"aapko pata chal gaya na?"

His jaw tightened a little slowly he lifted his hand and stuck a strand of her hair behind her ear

"haan" he replied quietly

She peeked up at him being nervous not able to look in his eyes

"gussa ho?"

He didn't answer immediately just looked at her and slowly lifted her chin to see her pouting, eyes looking down

"aise karti ho toh gussa karne ka mann bhi nahi karta tumpe"

He didn't raise his voice

Didn't scold

His thumb lingered under her chin, his eyes searching for her face

She swallowed

"I just wanted to spend some time with you" she admitted softly

Something shifted in his expression not anger or irritation just quiet surrender

He exhaled through his nose a faint shake of his head following

"toh bol deti" he murmured

"tum ek baar bolti mai sab chordke tumhare liye ruk jaata"

She looked at him her cheeks turning crimson

"aap ruk jaate?" she asked

His hand slid from her chin to her cheek palm warm and protective

"noor" he said quietly voice stripped of authority, the softness that's meant only for her

"tumhare liye rukne ke liye mujhe sochne ki zarurat nahi hai"

Her breath caught for a moment

"tumhari baat suune ke liye tumhare sath baithne ke liye mujhe kisi bahaane ki zarurat nahi"

She stared at him

"yess.... matlab aaj aap pura din sath rahoge" she said being excited and suddenly sat straight

He chuckled at her excitement

"abb itna drama kar diya hai" he said

"rukna toh padega hi"

She squeezed his hand in her eyes shining

He didn't reply just looked at her- her smiling, her eyes shining just because he was there

His fingers tightened around hers

"kaha se sochti ho tum ye sab?" he said shaking his head

She grinned looking at him

"hehehe humne bhaut serial dekhe hai" she said while shrugging

"next time drama karne se pehle yaad rakhna tum girti ho-

-aur duniya meri ruk jaati hai"

he said quietly

"tum bolna or mere kadam wahi ruk jayenge" he said voice low as if silently promising

She looked at him and chuckled soft, breathy a little emotional

"momo ki kasam?" she asked teasingly

He looked at her shaking his head

"momo tikki dono ki" he said gently squeezing her hand

Around them the house slowly returned to noise and movement

As everyone was at home today after a lot of planning and plotting ayra clapped her hands once loud and dramatic enough to pull everyone's attention

"achaa suunoo sabb" she announced

"jub sab ghar par hi hai toh ek kaam karte hai"

Everyone looked at them malini and Priya coming together

Aviraj's father and chachaji coming together

Advik immediately joined her side folding his hands like a tv show host

"so ladies and gentleman aaj ka agenda- family time"

Malini paused mid step eyebrow lifting but face excited

"family time?"

"haan!!" ayra nodded enthusiastically

"badi mushkil se toh ye kaam ke rogiyo ko time mila hai aaj toh games, baatein kub se sab ek sath nahi baithe"

Advik added quickly

"aur koi office, phone not allowed"

He said looking at dhruv, aviraj and Kabir

Kaashvi looked at them being excited standing beside aviraj

"ye aapke liye tha" she whispered to him making him roll his eyes

Priya smiled softly

"waise bhi itne din baad sab ghar par hai"

Chachaji and aviraj's father also nodded

"chalo aaj tum baccho ki bhi maan li jaaye" aviraj's father said while nodding looking around

Aviraj's mother looked at her son - the rolled sleeves but still he was home today, kaashvi whispering something to him while he just smiled looking at her the way his attention was solely on her

"kaashvi" she said calmly

"aaj iska phone tu rakhde apne paas"

Both of them looked up

The room went silent for a second

Kaashvi blinked looking at her

She looked at the phone then at aviraj then back at his mother

Malini's expression changed to a mischievous one

"aree sirf raj kyu humare pati kyu nahi aap log bhi do aaj apne phone" she said

Priya nodded

"haa ek kaam karo sab aaj apne phones do or side karo"

For a second no one moved and then the chaos started

"what?" advik blurted out panicking

"maa- phone? Pura din?" ayra asked eyes wide

Dhruv froze then slowly slid his phone to himself

"maa emergency calls?" he tried

Malini arched a brow folding her arms

"toh phone konse bhaag rahe hai side hi rakhe honge sabke pata chal jayega"

Kabir who had been lazily leaning back straightened instantly

"aree aunty mai chalta hu mujhe na-" before he could say aviraj and dhruv both pulled him back

"tu kaha chala" dhruv said holding him by shoulders

"Kabir bhaiya aapke bina humara family time pura kaha hoga" ayra said dragging him

"kaash vivaan bhaiya bhi hote" advik muttered and for a moment everyone went silent

Everyone looked around each other with a knowing expression aviraj's jaw tightened for a moment

The silence lingered

Kaashvi felt it before she understood

The name had landed wrong, too heavy for something meant to be casual she glanced at aviraj instinctively expecting something but she saw something different

His jaw tightened, shoulders straightened spine going rigid like something old had been nudged awake not anger not grief but something guarded

She didn't know who vivaan was

But she knew the name mattered

Her brows knit together as she studied aviraj's face how his gaze flickered away for a second

"I will ask later" she thought

Dhruv sensing the change cleared his throat deliberately

"chalo" he said briskly clapping his hands once

"phone rakho sab"

Advik immediately held up his phone to his chest

"I object" he declared

"meri streak-"

"abe chal" ayra cut in sweetly snatching his phone

"family time mei abhi teri search history padh du"

He gasped "chudail" he muttered

Laughter bubbled back into the room easing the moment

One by one phones were placed on the centre table like offerings - Kabir still protesting under his breath dhruv shaking his head elders amused and satisfied

Aviraj hesitated for a second and kaashvi came infront of him

She reaches out palm open

"phone phone.. aaj apni ek sautan ka katal karungi mai" she said looking at him mischievously

He just looked at her being done

As he was about to place the phone in her hand and she was about to take it suddenly he took it back raising his brow and making her look at him being confused

"kya kar rahe hai?" she asked looking at him still holding the phone higher

"mujhe kya milega badle mei?" he asked looking down at her

She looked at him eyes widened expression bored

"kya chahiye?" she asked looking at him

He looked at her with a small smile his gaze dropping from her eyes to her lips as his eyes lingered on her lips for half a second longer just enough for her to notice and make her heartbeat trip

Then he looked back into her eyes, calm and deliberate

"avi" she exclaimed looking around eyes widening

He just shrugged casually looking at her flustered face

"pagal ho idhar do phone" she said

He just smiled shaking his head and kept the phone in her hand

From behind kabir's voice cut in loudly

"bass bhai ho gaya tumhara romance contract sign? Yaa stamp paper bhi lagega?"

Ayra and advik laughed aviraj just rolled his eyes and kaashvi moved away from him

A few minutes later living room arranged itself

The elders claimed the couches - comfortable, commanding looking around being the spectators of the madness that was about to unfold

Dhruv and Kabir took the arm chairs

Ayra, advik and kaashvi instead of settling on the couch settled on the rug on the floor cushions dragged around legs crossed laughter bubbling as they argued on which game to play

Aviraj arrived last

He walked in calm as ever and dropped onto the couch behind kaashvi

Close enough that when he leaned forward her back brushed his knees

He leaned just a little forward gently pulling her closer so she ended up sitting right in front of him her back resting against his leg's her shoulders brushing his knees

Kaashvi stiffened for a second but then relaxed because it felt natural

His knees shifted on either side of her caging her in without trapping her

His hands dropping down near her shoulders close enough to feel

Without thinking much she also leaned a little into him finding that familiar solid support

Ayra noticed immediately

Her lips curved and advik noticed too grinning

"bhabhiii" advik whispered

"vip seat?" he teased

Kaashvi elbowed him lightly without turning around

"bhakk chup"

Behind her aviraj leaned forward just enough that his voice brushed her ear

"Comfortable?"

Her spine tingled she nodded her head quietly

"yes"

His thumb absent mindedly tapped against her shoulder.

Dhruv cleared his throat loudly

"so kya kiya jaaye batao"

"Sab games suggest karo" ayra said

Kaashvi shifted slightly adjusting the cushion between her legs only to feel aviraj's hand firmly at her side steadying her without comment

"okay" ayra clapped once

"game suggestions go"

"antakshari?" malini suggested

"bilkul nahi" advik groaned

"last time maa ne bhajan start kar diya tha"

"cards?" dhruv suggested

"papa cheating karte hai" ayra announced while chachaji looked at her being offended

"mai cheating? Tum logo ko hi khelna nahi aata" he said dramatically

Laughter rippled through the room

"truth and dare?" advik suggested eyes sparkling

Aviraj cleared his throat once very calmly

"no" he said and then gestured towards the elders making the youngsters nod in agreement and understanding knowing this game can go

"ludo?" dhruv suggested again

"uss mei ye raj jeet jaata hai" Kabir said rolling eyes at aviraj

"he plans moves like election campaigns"

Kaashvi twisted around slightly looking up at him

"batao games mei bhi itne serious"

He lifted a brow "winning is serious"

She rolled her eyes at him "of course"

"accha aap suggest karo kuch" she said looking up at him

He leaned closer voice low and lazy

"tum batao inn cheezon mei tumhara dimag daudta hai"

She smiled and then said

"dumb charades?"

"okay" aviraj said

"dumb charades!" ayra declared looking around like a verdict was made

"aur teams?" advik asked

Instantly chaos erupted for choosing teams

"mai Bhabhi ki team mei" ayra said moving closer to kaashvi

"arre mai bhi waise bhi hum teeno team hi hai" advik said

"hadd hai" Kabir said

"humse toh pucha nahi tumne"

"kyu puche? Buddho se nahi puchte jao apne dosto ke sath" advik said

Kaashvi smiled looking at their banter

Dhruv and Kabir rolled their eyes

Aviraj looked down at kaashvi who was enjoying a lot and smiling

"waise madam aapko time spend karna tha or abb pati ki team mei nahi aana" he murmured to her

Kaashvi felt his voice right behind her ear and smiled shoulders lifting in a tiny shrug as she leaned back into him a little more

"aap toh already mere saathi ho

she murmured innocently

"or waise bhi pati ko harane mei maza aata hai" she said voice challenging

Aviraj huffed a quiet laugh barely audible his chin dipping closer to her head

"accha or pati jeeta toh?" he said half warning half amused

She tilted her face just enough for him to see her smile

"aur patni jeeti toh?"

"fine lets see madam" he said

Before she could reply Kabir clapped loudly

"abe oo Romeo idhar aa abhi se team ke sath gaddaari"

Aviraj moved to their sides while ayra and advik sat on either side of kaashvi facing dhruv Kabir and aviraj

"chaloo team one raj bhaiya, Kabir bhaiya, dhruv bhaiya"

Advik said

"team oldies ek sath waah aap logo ke liye kamar par lagane ke liye kuch laaye?" ayra teased

Dhruv smirked "dimag walo ki team hai"

"accha bhaiya konse delusions ki duniya mei dimag chord aaye hai aap teeno" kaashvi said making advik and ayra laugh

The elders also laughed

"Team two; Bhabhi ayra aur mai"

Ayra fist bumped him

"ooohoo jawan logo ki entertaining team of course we will win"

Malini laughed from the couch

"tum sab khelo we will judge or hints denge"

"bass baatein karoge? kyuki jeetne ki harkatein hai nahi teeno ki" aviraj said looking at them eyes moving to kaashvi with a teasing smirk

Kaashvi looked at him being offended

"aree waise aap logo ko game explain karne ki zarurat toh nahi na? woh umar ke sath sath yaadaash kamzor ho jaati hai na?" she said innocently

"alright alright" ayra announced showing hands as if trying to stop their banter

"rules simple over acting allowed but no speaking"

Kabir cracked his knuckles

"abb batate hai inn ande se nikle chuzo ko"

Aviraj leaned back arms folding

Kabir cracked his knuckles dramatically

Dhruv adjusted his glasses calm as ever

Kaashvi glance up at aviraj

"ready?"

He looked at her eyes amused

"always"

And just like that the house shifted from tension into laughter

Ayra immediately bent her head close to kaashvi's ear whispering like they were planning something brutal

"dekho chits maine banayi hai unhe nahi pata toh jo bhi light colour hai wo uthana uss mei easy movies hongi"

Kaashvi being impressed looked at her proudly patting her shoulder

"waah meri jaabaaz sipahi tujhe ek ice cream meri taraf se"

"or haa bhaiya logo ko distract karenge unki baari aane par jisse time chala jaaye unka" advik added rubbing his hands together dramatically

Kaashvi nodded solemnly

"hmm or na jub kisi ka dhyan naa ho toh thoda bhaut idhar udhar karke kaise bhi batane ka try karna inki aaj band baja denge"

Across them Kabir looked at them and yawned exaggeratedly

"tum log bata do hum kuch mahino baad aa jayenge" he said voice sarcastic

Dhruv checked his watch theatrically

"baatein toh aise kar rahe hai jaise pata nahi konsi jung par jaa rahe ho teeno sipahi"

Aviraj didn't say anything just leaned back arms folded eyes fixed on kaashvi calm and amused the way she was explaining and ordering advik and ayra made him smile

"okay" ayra clapped finally ending their team discussion

"pehle hum jayenge"

Ayra bounced to her feet with exaggerated confidence

Advik jumped up immediately

"abb dekho or seekho" he said

He moved to the centre of the room puffed his chest

Taking out a chit from the bowl, he looked at it and smirked and waved his hand as if it was nothing

"huh ye bhi koi movie hui" he said shaking his head in pure confidence like he has already won

"abe oo saste Sharukh chal act kar" Kabir said

"chalo time chaalu karo" advik said coming forward

Dhruv started the timer leaning back

"1 minute, go"

Advik puffed his chest flicked imaginary hair back then dramatically pretend to ride a bike

"bike?" ayra guessed

Advik nodded enthusiastically then pointed at his heart and pretended it broke

"bika ka heart break ho gaya" kaashvi frowned

Across them Kabir sighed

"aur phir bol rahe thae jeetenge low budget theatre"

Aviraj smirked

"jitna dimag strategy meeting mei lagaya utna yaha nahi laga paa rahe teeno"

Kaashvi shot him a look

"abb aap bole na toh dekhiyega"

His lips twitched as he looked at her

"noted doctor sahiba"

Advik pointed at dhruv and then dropped to one knee dramatically clutching his chest and then pointed at imaginary girl walking away

Kaashvi looked at his actions

"dhruv bhaiya ki bike ka dil toot gaya" she said and everyone laughed

Aviraj looking at her smiled the way she was engrossed eyebrows knitted so focused

Ayra squinted her eyes

"abe gadhe romance, tragic, comedy ye toh bata pehle"

Advik huffed being done and then showed a heart

Kaashvi looking keenly noticed bike, dhruv

Her eyes widened

"ohh ohh woh yarr Kabir singh!!!"

"yesss!!!!" ayra screamed and everybody around them laughed looking at the trio

Ayra and advik high fived kaashvi grinned doing a tiny victory dance with ayra and advik without realising

Aviraj's gaze softened watching her - her laugh, her moves, her eyes shining the way she forgot everything when she was happy

Kabir groaned

"ek hi point hai uchlo matt zyada"

Ayra looked at him poking tongue out at him

"huh jalte hai humse" advik said dramatically

"abe mai tujhe Kabir singh wala surgeon lagta hu chii" dhruv said throwing a cushion at advik making everyone shake their head

"aree sirf surgeon dikhane ko bola uski toh bandi thi na aapki kaha hai chill" he said making everyone laugh and dhruv glare at him

"very good mere dholke devar" kaashvi said patting his back proudly

Advik grinned chin held high like he just won a war

"hehe thanku chotu Bhabhi" he said

"dholke devar?" everybody said in unison being confused and amused

"aree humne naam de Rakha hai ek dusre ko" advik said while shrugging and kaashvi smiled

While everyone smiled looking at their bond

Kabir stood up stretching lazily

"abb dekho professionals ka kaam"

He picked a chit then immediately groaned

"seriously?"

Dhruv leaned back

"chal shuru ho ja"

"kya hua bhaiya ho gayi sitti pitti gul" ayra said

Kabir didn't answer he suddenly started pretending to comb his hair dramatically like he has big hairs then blew a kiss into the air

Advik looking at him burst out laughing

"arre apni hi acting kyu kar rahe ho?"

"acche se bata yaar" dhruv said

Kabir rolled his eyes and started walking in slow motion and then acting as if he was playing a guitar

Kaashvi tilted her head

"bartan dhul rahe ho kya bhaiya"

Aviraj who was looking at her being done spoke calmly

"tum log distract karna band karo"

She turned to him

"ohh hooo waise toh pata nahi konse genius hai na aap 'distract karna band karo' she said mimicking him

Kabir suddenly pretended to look into a mirror, winked then did finger guns

Aviraj sighed

"rockstar"

Timer beeped at the same time and Kabir jumped

"abeee yesss!!!"

Kaashvi stared at aviraj

"ye kaise-"

He looked at her raising his brows while she squinted her eyes at him

Her mouth opened and then she scoffed

"cheater"

"observant" aviraj corrected her

Ayra leaned in whispering loudly

"aapka pati dimag leke baitha hai"

Kaashvi just shook her head

As the rounds continued the teasing grew louder and messier

Whenever kaashvi laughed aviraj's eyes followed her

Whenever aviraj answered something effortlessly she narrowed her eyes like she was personally offended by his competence

At one-point advik whispered

"Bhabhi aap bhai ko distract karo"

As dhruv was acting kaashvi glanced at aviraj and he looked at her

She looked in his eyes and then slowly moving her gaze to his lips and then back to his eyes and then she winked looking in his direction

She winked- slow, deliberate making sure no one else saw it

Aviraj froze

Just a pause in his breathing a minute of stillness in his shoulders as he looked at her being shocked

Kabir snapped his fingers infront of his face

"abe saale aashiq"

Aviraj didn't look away from kaashvi didn't even blink

Kaashvi meanwhile smiled acting completely innocent turning back to the game

"kya hua dhruv bhaiya aapki team ka dhyan nahi hai shayad" she said as if she hadn't just given a full-blown personal attack

Dhruv still acting hoping around like a man possessed

"ye kya hai bhai?" advik frowned

"konsi tadapti chipakli ka dance kar rahe ho?"

From the couch malini chuckled

"aree ye 'laagan' movie hai"

"lagaan" Kabir yelled

"correct" dhruv announced sighing in relief

Groans erupted from team two

"cheating" advik accused

"chachi ye galat hai" kaashvi said

It was kaashvi's turn now she stood up in confidence rolling her shoulders like an athlete entering the field

"okay meri baari"

She picked up the chit, read it and immediately groaned looking at ayra as if saying

"ye hai teri aasan movie"

Ayra peeked at her

"oops"

Aviraj straightened slightly his interest increasing as it was her

Kaashvi stepped into the centre rolling her shoulders like she was warming up

He tilted his head being amused

"over acting ke extra marks nahi milte" he said and she glared at him giving a tight-lipped smile

She started acting turned dramatically puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms chin lifted in fake arrogance

Then she pretended to flip imaginary hair over her shoulder and walked exaggerated steps like she owned the world

Advik squinted

"hero attitude ..salman khan hai?"

Kaashvi immediately shook her head violently and made an X with her arms

She pointed to herself then gestured toward an imaginary crowd putting a crown on her head using hand

Ayra narrowed her eyes

"heropanti?"

Kaashvi slapped her forehead looking at them

Then she made a heart sign broke it dramatically and pointed accusingly at the floor

Right at aviraj

The whole room went "oooohhh"

Aviraj didn't move just looked at her slow and calm

"personal attacks are not allowed madam"

She smirked and turned away pretending to wipe tears and then suddenly struck a dramatic pose sitting cross legged on ground hand on forehead

Advik snapped his fingers

"tamasha?"

Kaashvi looked at them being done giving a thumbs down

Kaashvi sighed exaggeratedly then pointed at imaginary phone pretending to take selfies and then stomped her foot in frustration and folded her arms like a spoiled queen

Aviraj looked at her eyes soft but smile teasing

"ye toh tum khud lag rahi ho"

She spun around

"excuse me!!?"

Advik suddenly yelled

"queen!!!"

Kaashvi's eyes lit up she clapped silently and jumped giving high five to him as both jumped crazily

"chotu bhabhiii" he screamed

"dholkiii" she screamed making everyone around them laugh shaking their head

Kaashvi threw her hands in victory bowing dramatically

She turned to aviraj flipping her hair

"dekha? Talent"

He just shook his head looking at her

As the game continued and the scores were equal now the last one was aviraj to act

Ayra clapped dramatically

"last round and then we winnn"

Kabir crackled his knuckled

"chal mere sher aaj dikhate hai inhe"

Dhruv patted aviraj's shoulder as he stood up

Aviraj took the chit unfolded the paper eyes scanning it once

His expression unreadable

"oh ho" kaashvi muttered

"face dekh ke lag raha easy haI"

"hein face dekh ke? Bhaiya ke? Konsa face padh rahe ho?" ayra said

"aree dekho his eyes squinted a little or ek choti si unki usual wali smirk aayi" kaashvi explained as If she knows his not so expressed face well

He stood calmly, Kabir and dhruv leaned forward alert

"timer on"

Kaashvi announced

"sixty seconds"

Aviraj started acting, he didn't over do no jumping no exaggerated drama. Just sharp clean moments pointing to his head then his heart then mimicking writing then looking outward like addressing a crowd

Kabir squinted his eyes

"yaha bhi politics?"

Dhruv looked equally confused

"leader? Speech koi?"

Aviraj acted again, doing another move pretending to hold mic then gestured to crowd

Dhruv's mouth opened

"wait-"

"time's up" kaashvi yelled suddenly and everyone froze

Kabir blinked

"aye kuch bhi?"

Dhruv frowned looking at her

"time hai bhai abhi"

"naa naa over" kaashvi repeated sweetly already standing up

"rules are rules jeth jisss"

Aviraj turned slowly towards her who was standing infront of him with arms crossed

His eyebrow lifting in pure disbelief

"seriously?"

She shrugged innocently

"lag gaya hoga time neta jii, time flies when you are dramatic"

Kabir looked at them being done

"cheating clear cheating"

Ayra high fived kaashvi

Aviraj stepped closer to her lowering his voice

"you did it deliberately:

She tilted her head eyes sparkling

"haw aisa aarope, waise aap kya kar loge?"

For a second something flickered between them - challenge, amusement and a quiet pull

He leaned down just slightly

"agli baar rules mere honge"

Her cheeks warmed but she didn't back down

"deal" she said softly

"par jeet toh meri hi hogi"

Dhruv cleared his throat loudly

"ahem ahem family game" he coughed

"winners team kaashvi, ayra, advik" chachaji declared making three of them jump in victory

Ayra jumped "winnersss"

Advik did a victory dance

"young blood baby"

Aviraj exhaled slowly then looked down at kaashvi who was glowing with triumph

"khush?" he asked quietly

She leaned towards him

"bhaut"

And for the first time they stayed together no phone, no work just watching each other and enjoying

"kitne din baad lag raha hai ghar mei lag raha hai ki alag si ronak wapas aa gayi hai" Priya said looking at the youngers talking and laughing

"hmm warna toh kaam kaam" malini said nodding

As the game got over advik clapped hand dramatically standing up like an overenthusiastic host

"okay abb" he announced

"sirf hum kyu enjoy kare now aap sabki baari" advik said pointing towards the elders

"hum?" Priya asked being surprised

Advik grinned wider

"haa haa ek couple's game to banta hai"

"aree nahi tum bacche khelo" aviraj's father said

"aree papa biwi aa jaaye mai toh khel lu" advik said sighing dramatically making everyone chuckle

"aap sabko khelna hoga aao chalo" ayra said dragging everyone

"couple number one" advik said as if announcing a game show contestant

"our newly weds power couple"

"kaashvi Bhabhi and aviraj bhai"

Kaashvi sat being excited

Aviraj beside her leaned back slightly one arm casually resting behind her

Advik continued

"couple number two" he turned to other side of couch

"senior singh couple mere apne sagae mummy aur papa" he announced dramatically

Priya just shook her head sitting beside her husband while aviraj's father looked calm but eyes amused

"and couple number three

Humare chatpate couple chachu and chahiii"

Kabir dhruv ayra dramatically clapped cheering for every one

Malini's lips curved into a smile vivek let out a reigned sigh but smiling

"ye bacche bhi na"

"aree toh kya hua hume bhi mauka mil gaya aaj kyu piche hatae" malini said being excited

"bhai mai toh kaashvi aviraj ka supporter hu after all I was their match maker" Kabir said

"mai bade papa or badi maa ka"

"okay mai mumma papa ki side"

Kaashvi slowly nudged aviraj

"jaiye abb couples' game ke liye bhi apne office ko hi bula lijiye" she teased

He leaned just a little closer voice low enough only she could hear calm but edged with that familiar tease

"hmm but shaadi toh tumse ki hai"

Kaashvi scoffed eyes rolling but her lips twitching despite

"accha?" she shot back

"bada maahan balidaan kar diya hai aapne na, medal chahiye?"

He shrugged lazily corner of his mouth lifting completely unapologetic

"hmm

Tumse ki hai toh maahaan toh kiya hai"

She stared at him for a second with a "seriously?" expression then smacked his arm lightly trying to hide her smile

His arm tightened just a fraction around her

Ayra clapped loudly snapping back everyone

"okay game clear hai" she announced like a referee

"advik questions puchega ladies will write answers about themselves jo correct hoga and husbands will write that they think their wives' answers are"

Advik grinned wickedly

"aur cheating karte koi couple pakda gaya.." he said eyeing the three couple
"toh 1 hafte alag alag room mei rehna"

Laughter rippled through the room

Malini clapped immediately

"chalo kuch interesting"

They were handed small boards and markers everyone settled couples sitting side by side but angled just enough so no one could peek

Priya adjusted her saree then looked at her husband

"suuniye competition tagda hai and we have to win galat jawab diye na toh dekhna aap" she said as if threatening

Kshitij (aviraj's father") just looked at her silently nodding as if bowing to her demands

"jaisa aap kahe mohatarma"

Malini nudged her husband silently

"dekhna tum ek bhi jawab sahi nahi kar paoge"

Vivek just raised his hands in surrender

"pehle hi bol deta hu galat hua toh mujhe maaf karna devi"

Laughter rippled into the room looking at the elder couples kaashvi smiled seeing them

She finally looked at him beside her eyes shining with mix of excitement

"ready hai neta jii" she whispered half teasing half challenging

Aviraj tilted his head slightly looking at her arm still resting behind her

"tumhare sath? humesha" he replied quietly

She looked at him eyes shining a small smile lingering on her lips

"Together remember"

His breath hitched for a moment

Not because of the words alone but the way she said them so soft and certain like it wasn't just a phrase but a promise their words only they understood

Aviraj's fingers flexed slightly behind her back his thumb brushing the fabric near her back

"always" he replied just as quietly his gaze holding hers

Advik cleared his throat loudly dramatically breaking the moment

"bass bhaii abb thoda romance baad ke liye bachalo" he said making everyone chuckle

"okay first question" advik said

"what is your wife's favourite comfort food?"

Kaashvi didn't even think twice she bent down and scribbled quickly lips curving into a smile

Aviraj paused for a second as of deeply thinking

Kabir leaned forward

"oh ho raj pehle question mei naak katayega kya"

Dhruv shrugged

"kya raj khud toh khata nahi zyada uska toh pata hona chahiye"

Aviraj ignored them eyes flicking briefly to kaashvi's and then he wrote It

"okay answers up" ayra announced

Ayra went couple by couple looking at everyone's answers

Malini held up her board

"chai aur namkeen"

Vivek showed his

"chai aur..samose?"

Malini burst aur laughing while vivek just rubbed his neck

"aadha number"

Then Priya showed her answer

"simple ghar ka khana"

Aviraj's father revealed his card quietly

"khichdi"

Priya's eyes widened but smiled softly

"hmm bilkul sahi"

Everyone smiled looking at them for a moment kaashvi too just looked at them the way they were talking and smiling aviraj's father was a serious man but here with his wife she have seen him first time talking and laughing so freely

Finally, ayra came to kaashvi and aviraj

Kaashvi lifted her board excitedly

"momo"

Advik looked at her

"of course, ye toh mujhe bhi pata tha"

Everyone around laughed and kaashvi shrugged while smiling

Ayra turned to aviraj as he lifted his board calmly

"momo"

For a half a second kaashvi froze then she turned to him smiling

"aapko kaise pata"

He leaned closer while casually shrugging

"shaadi ke pehle din aapne neend mei kuch bola tha madam"

Her ears warmed instantly as she looked down being surprised to see he even remembers the thing she said in her sleep

Then came the next question

"what is one thing your wife does when she is upset"

Kaashvi hesitated this time thinking for a second and then wrote slowly

Aviraj on the other hand didn't even pause he wrote immediately

Priya lifted her board saying

"ignore"

Kshitij lifted his board shaking his head

"ignore"

Everyone around them laughed then malini lifted her board

"kamre se bahar phenk deti hu"

Vivek wrote

"kamre se bahar (peet bhi deti hi hai kabhi kabhi)" he wrote making malini glare at him with "I am done with you" face and everyone around erupted into laughter

"chote papa bhi pure biwipaglu hai" advik said grinning

"beta jii happy wife= happy life" vivek said making malini roll her eyes but her lips lifting in a small smile

"chalo now newlyweds" ayra said

Kaashvi lifted her card that read

"I go quiet"

Aviraj looked at her card and then lifted his

"silence"

The room erupted looking at them with amused expressions the way they have known about each other in such a short time

Kaashvi stared at him being impressed

"raj beta phd Karli hai tune toh puri kuch mahino mei" vivek said his voice teasing

Malini nudged him lightly

"haa toh seekho usse kuch" she said making everyone around laugh at their banter

Kaashvi glanced at aviraj again this time softer he felt her faze

Her fingers slowly brushed his briefly behind the boards not a game just them being together

"okay now last round- whoever wins this will be the winner"

The elders smiled amused now

Advik read the question with exaggerated seriousness

"what is the one thing your partner needs the most even when they don't ask for it"

There was pause for a moment as everyone thinks something for a second

Kaashvi lowered her head, marker moving softly no drama, no overthinking

Beside her aviraj was still for a moment

He looked at her for a moment then back at the boards and wrote

Across the room vivek sighed theatrically as if he was done now, aviraj's father wrote with same calm precision he carried

As everyone writes the elders answers were almost correct but not proper. some words or emotions mistaken

Kaashvi who didn't hesitated while writing looked at him

"kya humara aakhri couple jeet payega?" advik said as if reporting seriously

Kasshvi held up her boards fingers crossed mentally praying

"jeetaa do kanha ji" she thought

Her eyes tense, lips pressed together

"time, presence, honesty" her board followed

Everyone was awed looking at her board and then all the eyes were on aviraj waiting for his answer

Kaashvi didn't turn to him her fingers closed eyes shut as if silently praying he looked at her a small smile appeared on his lips

And then slowly- very slowly he raised his boards this time himself reading the answers

"time, presence, someone who stays even in silence" he said voice low eyes never leaving her face

The room stilled for a moment

For a heartbeat everyone just looked at them no one clapped or spoke

It wasn't dramatic or loud

It was a quietly amused moment, everyone looked at them being proudly happy for them

Kaashvi opened her eyes slowly she looked at her board then at his, her eyes taking in the moment

Ayra's mouth fell open but the she was the first one to react her hands flying

"ooo myy godddd" she yelled

"exact match"

Advik let out a whistle

"oye hoye winner winner"

Kabir slapped the couch as he leaned forward elbows on knees grin fading into something softer looking at them

"pyar ke panchiyo jeet gaye"

Dhruv's lips curved not teasing this time just soft knowing smile

Malini blinked twice and a big smile spread across her face
"nazar naa lage mere baccho ko" she said looking at them

Vivek cleared his throat looking at them with a small knowing smile

"isse bolte hai understanding" he said

Aviraj's father didn't smile much but his gaze softened chin lifting just a fraction

"aise hi ek dusre ka sath banaye rakhna" he said looking at them

Priya looked at them eyes soft with a small smile seeing her son finally opening to someone, feeling for someone this deeply the one who cares for him and he cares for her

"ladies and gentleman" advik announced standing on the sofa like a host

"clear winner mere apne sagae bhaiya or bhabhiiii"

He pointed dramatically

Ayra clapped hard

"bhabhii jeet gaye"

Kaashvi hasn't moved yet she just looked at them smiling

"dono jeete" she said softly

Before aviraj could process it kaashvi turned fully towards him pure joy breaking across her face her eyes shining with a wide smile on her face

She looked at him- the words he hadn't overthought just observed and known

The words just for her

Her throat tightened before she could stop ot

Without thinking much without planning or worrying she turned completely and wrapped her arounds him tightly

Arms around his neck, tight, impulsive, real

Her face near his neck- a full impulsive hug the kind that comes from instinct

For a moment he just froze not being able to process because technically this was their first proper hug

"avi we won" she said her voice showing her happiness

He smiled slowly then his arms came around her automatically firm and secure one hand settling at her back the other at her waist steadying her like it was the most natural thing in the world

The room erupted in cheers and teasing

Aviraj's breath stopped for a moment as he held her feeling her weight on his

Just then advik said

"bhaiya saans toh lelo laal ho gaye ho pure"

Kaashvi pulled back slightly suddenly realizing what she had done cheeks blazing

Aviraj looked at her eyes softer than anyone had ever seen them

She looked at him but he wasn't embarrassed

He was..just smiling

Not wide not teasing just that small rare curved of his lips

"excited ho gayi thi" she muttered being flustered trying to pull away

He didn't let her his hand tighten slightly at her back

"jeetne ka aisa prize milega ye nahi socha tha" he said lowly only she could hear

She froze for half a second

Her fingers were still curled into his shirt her body half turned toward him caught between wanting to disappear and wanting to stay exactly where she was

Heat rushed up her neck again

She lifted her eyes to his brows knitting softly

"prize toh aise bol rahe ho jaise koi trophy ho" she whispered trying to be confident but her voice betrayed

His thumb moved just once, pressing the small of her back lightly

"trophy nahi" he corrected

"usse bhi keemti, yaad rehne wali jeet"

Around them the noise hasn't stopped

Everyone talked, teased

And in that noisy laughing room full of people, it settled quietly between them

They didn't just win a game

They knew what they were to each other.... they understood each other

As everyone sat together teasing, laughing and talking

Suddenly a house help appeared hands folded, voice a little hesitant

"sir mandira mam is here with her parents"

As the words left the room stilled

Ayra's smile faded mid-sentence

Advik who was laughing stopped

Kabir also straightened looking at aviraj

Even malini's playful energy dimmed into something cautious everyone stayed quiet for a moment

Kaashvi felt before she actually understood it- mandira

Her smile faded slowly

Her mind started racing, her body tensed up a little. The sudden weight in the air

Her fingers curled instantly into her dupatta her spine straightened

She remembers what happened between her and aviraj last time mandira came

She didn't look up.

Aviraj could sense it, the change in her demeanour

He didn't react much, no visible flinch, no tightening or straightened

But his hand which hand been resting on his side moved

Firm and certain

His fingers slowly slid into her and closed there as if silently grounding and telling 'I am here only'

She felt it

His thumb brushed the back of her hand

Across the room vivek's jae tightened, ayra and advik exchanged quick glanced their teasing gone in a blink

"if you want, we can leave" aviraj slowly muttered to kaashvi

She looked at him and then shook her head slowly

"no, hum usse darte hai nahi hai or

Aap par humara bharosa kaafi hai uske saamne khade rehne ke liye" she said

Aviraj studied her face for a second longer as if watching her words then gave a single slow nod

"just remember I am here, with you hmm?" he said and she nodded giving a small reassuring smile

No drama just quiet reassurance

"andar bula dijiye unhe" aviraj's father said voice calm and authoritative

Moments later footsteps echoed in the hall

Her parents came first polite smile already in place, the practised warmth of people who knew how to talk business

Mandira followed them

Her posture straight like someone who knew how to command a room

Her dark outfit and sleek hairstyle giving 'don't mess with me' vibes her posture relaxed yet sharp

Not arrogant or apologetic just aware of everything

"namaste" her mother said first nodding to the elders

"we hope we are not intruding"

"nahi aaiye baithye" aviraj's mother replied politely gesturing for them to sit

"haa aane ke baad bolo we are not intruding" advik muttered to ayra making Kabir chuckle behind his hand and dhruv give a serious look

As they sat a few talks began, formalities followed, tea and snacks offered there was an awkwardness everyone can feel

Mandira all this time didn't speak

She didn't look around nervously she didn't scan the room

Her gaze was slow measured taking everything in

The family, the atmosphere and then finally she saw kaashvi

Kaashvi looked at her their eyes met

Just for a second

No hostility or smile

Mandira's lips curved the slightest bit not a perfect smile not friendly not mocking either just acknowledging giving a small nod as if saying "I see you"

Kaashvi held her gaze taken back for a moment but then gave a small polite smile chin lifted spine straight

Her hand tightened just a fraction in aviraj's

He felt it instantly

Slowly he brushed her knuckles with his thumb his eyes still on her parents

Mandira saw it and she just looked around even if affected her she didn't show and even if didn't affect her she just sat like it's a duty

Her father began voice smooth and diplomatic

"we understand things didn't go as planned" he said carefully

"but our families have shared a professional and personal association since a long time, political, business those ties don't have to end"

Aviraj carefully listened to them observing each word and expression

"ye kaise se hai maana mandira jaisi bhi ho but still uska toh sochte ek baar" ayra whispered to advik and Kabir

Heads nodded as everyone listened to the rathore's

Aviraj listened carefully no interruptions his expression unreadable eyes sharp but calm

Kaashvi looked at mandira

She remained silent hands folded in her lap, her eyes were looking like she wanted to speak but she can't

Kaashvi felt the tension in her

This wasn't about jealousy or even rivalry

This was about being a girl who has just been used even by her parents but still standing on the ground without flinching

Aviraj spoke at last voice even

"we understand and whatever happened from my side I apologise" he said calmly looking at her parents then at mandira for a brief second

"professional respect doesn't require personal proximity" aviraj's father said simply

"if we all are clear I don't think there is any issue?"

Mandira's mother smiled relived

"of course"

They talked for a few moment about business, politics congratulating kaashvi and aviraj

Suddenly mandira's parents exchanged a glance before her mother spoke voice soft but her vibe wasn't

"hume pata hai iski hi koi galti hogi" she said eyes flickering briefly to her daughter before returning to everyone

"iski galti ke liye hum maafi-
mandira didn't react as if this wasn't new for her

She sat still, chin lifted but her eyes- eyes however were showing how she felt that no one saw

Kaashvi felt something snap

She hadn't planned to speak she didn't even want to interfere but the way they were blaming mandira without even knowing was something she didn't expect

The casual blame just for being polite and make business and politics run was not fair

She gently loosened her hand from aviraj's and faced them

"aunty" she said calmly but there was steel beneath the softness

"I didn't want to interfere but aap log kya bol rahe ho?"

For a moment room froze every eye was on her

Aviraj's head turned sharply towards her- not alarmed just surprised

Kaashvi continued her spine straight voice steady

"I and aviraj married because that was our decision, our feelings our personal matter uss mei mandira ko naa kuch pata than aa uska koi control tha"

She paused eyes briefly meeting mandira's

"dil par kisi ka control nahi hota hum mile we liked each other and maana it was just business for you all but iss mei kisi ki bhi "galti" kyu hai?"

Mandira's mother blinked clearly not expecting that

Kaashvi didn't stop

"and honestly" she added tone quitter now but firmer

"iss puri situation mei sabse zyada hurt wahi hui hai bina kisi wajah se engagement tutna, public mei tamasha, ye sab aasan nahi hota I know and-"

A murmur passes through the room as everyone looked at kaashvi

She turned slowly to mandira

"I know our apology wont reduce what you have gone through but if it even means something we are sorry I hope you will understand" she said looking at her slowly taking aviraj's hand in hers

The room stayed quiet in that moment

No one spoke for a moment

Mandira's father was taken aback his brows knitting like he was re evaluating the script he had walked in with

Her mother's lips parted then pressed together again

Everyone was actually shocked seeing her taking stand for mandira like this

Kabir leaned back slowly a quiet damn written all over his face

Dhruv looked at her with a proud expression for standing up for right

And aviraj-

He just looked at her

For a man who have faced everything- this was different

His gaze softened in a way no one have ever seen,

seeing his girl standing for what's right not thinking about anyone

His eyes showed something deeper that time

The respect and admiration something dangerously close to awe

She didn't raise her voice didn't attack just stated facts

She stood right there even when it didn't benefit her

His fingers tightened around hers rhumb pressing her knuckles like a silent 'I am proud of you"

His eyes screaming

"my woman"

Advik , Ayra , kabir , dhruv looked at her mouth and opened eyes slightly widens

Advik being advik slightly nudges kabir muttering

"Ohh hoo sautan bani saheli" he said looking at kaashvi and mandira

Kabir snorted trying to hide it with a cough

"Naa naa daivik vansh ka raakshas se milan" he said trying not to laugh

Ayra sitting beside them puts a hand on her mouth looking at the scene

"Bhabhi be like: naa problem tu naa problem mai aa jaa chugli kare"

Dhruv looking at them rolled his eyes glaring at them to be quiet for a moment"

"Chup Karo she stood for right thing bakwas drame naa khade karo"

Meanwhile

Mandira finally looked up she looked at kaashvi with something unreadable

For a fleeting second her eyes softened just a crack before her mask slid back

She said nothing but her shoulders eased ever so slightly

Aviraj's father also looked at her with a quiet admiration for handling the situation cleverly not disrespecting but stating facts

"that's fair" he said slowly

"personal decisions should mot be written as blame for anyone"

Mandira's father nodded once

"we understand and we didn't mean to accuse khair jo ho gaya we should move on from that"

Kaashvi held his gaze

"uncle relationships built on convenience don't last" she said simply

Silence followed again as everyone nodded

Aviraj exhaled quietly watching her profilr- calm, unshaken, honest

She wasn't just beside him

She was standing with him- but still firm on her ground

Finally, the conversation shifted forward, the tension released a little

As everyone around talked aviraj stood up without another word

"excuse me" he said to he room, tone even and controlled

"I need to check something"

no one questioned as he walked away

he turned two steps and then paused for a moment just enough to glance back

he looked at kaashvi

just one looked sharp and intent

and then gave a subtle slow tilt of his head toward the corridor silently saying

'come'

kaashvi felt it instantly as she looked him the pull, the silent command wrapped in something warmer than authority

her heartbeat kicked up as she looked around and saw everyone busy in their talks but she stayed seated, fingers still curled in her lap face calm

two minutes- that how long she waited before she rose smoothening her dupatta offering a polite smile to the room filled with talks

"I have to do some work" she said softly and looked at Priya who nodded silently understanding

No one stopped her as she left

As she was about to enter the room before she even took a second step she felt him

Arms slid around her from behind - firm and certain, wrapping her in like he had been holding himself back a lot

Her back pressed against his chest his breath warm against the side of her neck

"my baby" he murmured low and rough against her neck like the words had been waiting all evening to leave his mouth

Kaashvi's breath caught for a moment but she smiled

Her fingers curled over his forearms holding them there as if just wanting to hold close.

The noise of the house, the tension and everything, everyone blurred as they now stood together

"bhaut qurbaan ho rahe hai" kaashvi said tilting her head enough to look at him

"I am just admiring my wife" he said quietly his chin resting near her shoulder voice no longer guarded just how he is only with her

She swallowed and smiled knowingly

"someone had to say it na"

His hold tightened just a fraction but then he left her and slowly turned her around by her shoulders making her face him

His hand slowly comes up to caress her face

"I didn't know my noor was this mature" he said

She looked at him eyes squinting but with the soft smile of hers lightly smacking his chest

"ye tareef thi yaa bezti" she snorted softly

His lips curved slow

"tareef" he said simply thumb brushing her cheek

"aur thodi hairaani bhi"

She tilted her head curiosity flickering

"kis baat ki?"

"that you stood there" he replied voice low steady

"you didn't have to but you did, no one asked you to carry the weight but you did"

He paused his eyes searched for her face with pure admiration

"that too so maturely and confidently"

Her shoulder relaxed the way he admired even the little thing about her

"because it was unfair avi" she paused choosing her words

"pehle din I was angry, hurt seeing her lagi thi thodi naagin, tv serial komolika types but uski situation dekhe toh galat toh woh bhi nahi hai na? I know hum bhi galat nahi hai, but still she lost too much than us...so I just..i don't know how to say it..."

she said trying to explain

He looked at her eyes filled with pride and admiration

"I know" he said quietly

"i watched you" he said eyes soft

"not just today but always and every time I think I know how strong you are you prove me wrong

My strong little noor" he said

Her lashes fluttered, her cheeks warmed

"you are saying because I am your wife"

"no" he said immediately

"I am saying because I know and I am clear"

Silence settled between them not awkward not heavy just intimate

His forehead rested against her

As they were in their room talking suddenly, they heard a voice

Mandira's voice floated from the corridor- clear, composed footsteps echoing

"aviraj?"

Kaashvi froze mid breath face palming herself

"hey bhagwaan ye komolika ki bacchi" she muttered

Her eyes widened a silent oh no flashing across her face

Finally, they were getting some alone time after a day with everyone and here someone was again about to interrupt that too her

"batao kitni saari sautan paal rakhi hai maine ek ki toh sakhi Saheli banane ka try kiya phir bhi-"

she said her expression showing mock hurt and disappointment

Aviraj just looked at her dramatics and antics trying to hold his smile shaking his head

"pagal ho tum maybe usse thank you bolna ho-"

as he was saying they heard the voice again

"raj" she said again coming near the room

"raj" kaashvi mimicked her voice and expression making aviraj look at her brow lifting just a fraction

"kanha ji .... Iski timing bhi serial ki vamp jaisi hai" she muttered under her breath panic colliding in her voice

Before he could say a word kaashvi grabbed his wrist in one hand and shirt in another

"don't ask" she whispered urgently before pulling him back toward the bed

"what-?" was all he managed to say before she pushed herself down pulling him down with her with surprising forced

Both falling on the bed and yanking the blanket over both of them in one dramatic sweep

She tugged him toward her urgent but clumsily like a hastily planned crime

He barely had time to process before she pulled him down with her that too, over her covering both of them

Under the blanket it was a little dark and far too closeness between then

She pressed her hands over his chest

Her breaths shallow as she looked at him while he just looked at her still trying to process

He laid over her still stunned

Then became very aware of their position , closeness, her warmth

He leaned closer lips near her ear

"ye kya-"

"shh bass mera saath do" she hissed

A corner of his mouth shifted even though it was so weird and not exactly appropriate but something inside him wanted to just follow her lead

As she heard the footsteps approaching before he could process anything

"aahh avii" kaashvi let out a deliberately soft breathy sound exaggerated just enough to sound convincing and just quiet enough to know something private is going on

His body went rigid as he heard it

His eyes snapped to her in absolute disbelief

"noor ky-" he was about to say but she shushed him glaring at him

The footsteps were now just near the room

"aah avi yess

Right there baby faster"

For half a second his brain simply stopped

Her under him

The blanket over them and her making those sounds

Her eyes sharp, urgent, absolutely unhinged

"what the hell is going on" he thought

His mind froze mid movement

He was suddenly aware of everything- her warmth, closeness, her breath against his

His eyes widened

His instinct screamed to pull away to shut this down and protect both of their dignity and his own sanity

But before he could, her fingers dug into his arm a silent threat her eyes glaring

Aviraj swallowed jaw tightening his pulse roared in his ears

She instantly kicked his thigh lightly under the blanket urgently whispering through clenched teeth

"moan, right now"

His jaw dropped

"noor have you lost-"

She kicked him again, harder

He bent his head slightly letting out a low indistinct sound - nothing dramatic just enough to make anyone run away

"ughh baby" his voice hoarse

Kaashvi looked at him being impressed

"woah that was hot" she said praising him with raised brows

He just looked at her being done trying not to burst out laughing

"ek baar aur ek baar aur" she said as if asking for a candy

He just looked at her even though he was mortified but looking at her so chaotically carefree he cant help but live wit it

Another step outside and now it was kaashvi's turn

"avii aahh yess" she breathed pitching it just enough to sell the lie

"noor" aviraj tried to give a fake throaty groan making her bite her lips and control her laughter

There was a pause outside

Aviraj held his breath chest rising and falling right above hers close enough that she could feel his heartbeat

Then mandira who heard everything eyes widened and face showing awkwardness

"oh-" her voice shifted awkward and polite

Footsteps retreated as she left after realising

Silence returned as aviraj and kaashvi waited

For two full seconds neither of them moved

They both looked at each other as if trying to take in what just happened

They fake moaned and groaned, created a fake scene just to have some private time

Aviraj looked at her she looked at him

Kaashvi's shoulder shook beneath the blanket and she finally broke into muffled laughter spilling out

He looked at her shaking his head a smiling forming

Slowly he too laughed lowering his head until it rested against her eyes closed

"you are impossible" he said still laughing

"aree it worked na" she whispered triumphantly

He lifted his head just enough to look at her hair messy, cheeks flushed, eyes sparkling with mischief and something in him cracked

The relief, fondness, admiration, comfort all tangled together

"yes" he admitted voice low

"but we are never doing that again"

She grinned looking up at him utterly unapologetic wrapping her hands around his neck pulling him closer

"no promises"

He shook his head a reluctant smile tugging at his lips despite himself and shifted just enough to pull the blanket properly over them

Taking her in his arms he looked at her' tucking a strand of her behind her ear

Under the blanket time slowed

They can feel the shift in the moment

Aviraj's breath still uneven- from the intensity of the situation his eyes looking in hers

Her eyes wide with mischief were now soften

Nerves tangled together

Her hand around his neck his around her waist

He leaned closer hic voice barely a breath against her

"close your eyes"

She blinked once twice being confused

Suspicion flickered but she trusted him

"trust me" he said and slowly she shut them lashes resting against flushed cheeks still and obedient in a way that made something tighten in chis chest

Carefully he shifted just enough to free one hand his fingers dipped into his pocket movement shielded by the blanket

He took her hand in his slowly her hands warm and small against her

Slowly he slid a ring onto her finger

A small moon shaped diamond - simple yet elegant like a promise that didn't need witness

She felt it

He breath caught for a moment

"avi?" she whispered and he slowly leaned down gently kissing her eye lids one by one

She opened her eyes and he met her gaze forehead resting lightly against her

"karwa Chauth ka gift" he murmured as if reading her thoughts

His thumb brushed over the crescent shape on her finger slowly pressing it to his lips

"just a reminder

That even when the world is loud...even when people walk in uninvited ...

You and I still have our own sky"

She looked at him eyes slightly moistened as she looked at the ring shining in her finger

"par mai kuch nahi laayi aapke liye" she said voice low realising

He caressed her cheeks smiling

"tum hona sath wahi kaafi hai

Together remember?" He said softly 

she just tightened her fingers around his and nodded once slow, emotional, certain

"always" she whispered

He slowly leaned down kissing her forehead as if sealing the promise resting his forehead against hers like even the chaos, even if anyone comes they both have found their home and peace

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