Sanyukta’s peaceful slumber was abruptly broken by the sharp ringing of her phone. Jolted awake, she quickly silenced it, glancing over at Ranvijay and Avu.
They lay soundly asleep, their faces calm, unbothered by the sudden noise. She let out a soft sigh, careful not to disturb their rest, and tiptoed toward the balcony to take the call.
“Haan Maa, kaise ho aap sab?” she asked gently, her voice still laced with sleep. The cool evening air brushed against her face as she stepped outside, closing the door behind her.
“Avu thik hai ab,” she continued, leaning against the railing. “Nahi, pehle toh bohot roya, but ab thik hai… Ranvijay ke saath so raha hai abhi,” she added, her tone softening with affection as her gaze unconsciously drifted back inside toward them.
“Achha, Pankaj Bhai aur Nisha Bhabhi Bengaluru waapis jaa rahe hai?” she asked, her brow furrowing slightly. “Main poochti hoon Ranvijay se, ek baar vo uth jaaye toh… I can’t confirm ki hum aayege ya nahi… unse pooch ke batati hoon.”
There was a pause as she listened to her mother’s concerned voice, a faint crease forming on her forehead. “Nahi, aisa nahi hai Maa… vo mana nahi karege. Par aaj thoda gussa hai vo pehle se hi…” Her voice trailed off as she began absentmindedly twisting the ring on her finger, a nervous habit that betrayed her own unease.
“Ji… nahi, aap mat call kariyega. Main khud baat kar loongi… okay… Bye.” With that, she ended the call, her eyes lingering on the horizon for a moment before looking down at the phone in her hand. She exhaled slowly, composing herself, and glanced at the time—5:00 p.m.
Deciding to freshen up, Sanyukta changed into a simple yet elegant outfit and made her way downstairs. The gentle hum of activity in the kitchen greeted her as she entered.
Anjali was already at work, preparing a milkshake for Aarvi.
“Avuu kaisa hai ab?” Anjali asked, her tone kind yet curious, as Sanyukta placed a pan on the stove to prepare tea for everyone.
“Thik hai, Bhabhi… vo so raha hai,” Sanyukta replied with a small but genuine smile, the earlier tension in her expression beginning to ease.
The two women fell into easy conversation as they worked, their chatter blending seamlessly with the comforting clinks and clatters of utensils. Once everything was ready, they carried the tea and milkshake into the hall, where the rest of the family had gathered.
Pratap sat in his usual chair, discussing something animatedly with Pushpa and Dadi, while Roshni Bua, Arnav, Kirti, and Anushka laughed over an inside joke. The warm, familial atmosphere enveloped the room as Ranveer and Aarvi joined in, their voices adding to the cheerful cacophony.
Despite the liveliness, a shadow of concern lingered in Sanyukta’s heart. Roshni, Arnav, and Kirti, who couldn’t leave yesterday due to Avu’s injury, were now preparing to depart for Jaipur. Her gaze instinctively sought Ranvijay, only to remember he was still upstairs.
“Sanyukta beta,” Pushpa called out, her voice gentle but firm, “Jao, Ranvijay ko bhi utha do.”
Sanyukta nodded, setting her cup aside and heading upstairs. She pushed open the door to their room quietly, hesitating for a moment as her eyes fell on Ranvijay.
He lay sprawled across the bed, one arm protectively draped over Avu, who snuggled close to him. A soft smile played on Sanyukta’s lips as she stepped closer, placing a tentative hand on Ranvijay’s shoulder.
“Ranvijay,” she called softly, shaking him gently.
Without opening his eyes, he mumbled, his tone dripping with sarcasm, “Aaj kal toh meri neend bhi premium subscription ke saath milti hai. Tum ho toh bilkul free trial mode mein disturb karne ko ready.”
Sanyukta stepped closer to Ranvijay and shook him lightly. He groaned in protest, burying his face deeper into the pillow, clearly intent on ignoring her.
“Ranvijay,” she called softly, but when he didn’t respond, her patience waned.
With a huff, she switched on the light, the sudden brightness making him grunt in annoyance. Undeterred, she yanked the blanket off him. Finally, he opened his eyes, irritation flashing in them as he glared at her.
“Bua ji jaa rahi hain… neeche aa jaiye,” she said calmly, stepping aside to give him space but staying put. She knew him too well—if she left without ensuring he got up, he would undoubtedly fall back asleep within moments.
Ranvijay stretched lazily and smirked. “Yahi bula lao Bua ko… main yahi mil lunga.”
Sanyukta let out a small chuckle at his audacity. “Bula ke bhi kyun lana? Video call kar lijiye… vo aur bhi easy rahega,” she quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Hmmm… phone do mera,” he said, scanning the room lazily, as if genuinely considering the idea.
Sanyukta looked at him, incredulous. “Ranvijay… uthiye ab! You can’t be serious… main toh mazak kar rahi thi,” she said, exasperation clear in her tone.
Their playful argument was interrupted by a tiny voice. “Daddyyyy…” Avu stirred, rubbing his sleepy eyes, drawing both their attention.
Ranvijay’s face instantly softened, and a wide smile replaced his earlier irritation. “Heyyy, champ! You’re up!” he exclaimed, scooping Avu into his arms and planting a loud kiss on his chubby cheeks.
“I gottt hutttt…” Avu pouted, pointing at his bandaged forehead , his lips trembling slightly.
“I know, baby,” Ranvijay said soothingly, pulling Avu closer. “But you’re my strong tiger, aren’t you? You’ll be fine in no time.”
Avu’s pout slowly turned into a proud grin. “Likeee Simbaaaa?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Yeahhh, just like Simbaaa!” Ranvijay said, his tone playful. He then began tickling Avu, earning a burst of joyous giggles that echoed through the room.
Sanyukta watched the father-son duo with a fond smile, her earlier irritation melting away at the sight of them.
After a moment, she stepped closer and handed Ranvijay his shirt. “Shirt,” she said, her tone soft but expectant.
Ranvijay took the shirt absentmindedly, still engrossed in Avu’s chatter. Predictably, he began buttoning it in the wrong order, his fingers fumbling while his attention remained on their conversation.
“Main karti hoon,” Sanyukta said, stepping forward to fix his mistake.
But Ranvijay took a step back, shaking his head. “Rehne do… main t-shirt pehen lunga,” he replied nonchalantly, tossing the shirt aside and grabbing a t-shirt instead.
“Aap naraz h—” Sanyukta began, but before she could finish, he scooped up Avu again, kissed his cheek, and strode out of the room , leaving her mid-sentence.
She stood there for a moment, watching them leave, and sighed with a shake of her head. This was Ranvijay—equal parts infuriating and endearing.
Without further delay, she followed them downstairs, her steps light as the sound of Avu’s giggles echoed warmly through the house.
“Buaaa… I will miss you a lot,” Ranvijay said with exaggerated emotion, plopping down beside Roshini. His dramatic tone earned him a playful slap on the arm from her.
“Achha? Toh phir shaadi mein sabse pehle aa jana Sanyukta aur Avu ko leke,” Roshini teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Of course, Bua, main toh aana chahta hoon,” Ranvijay replied smoothly, a mischievous glint in his eye. Then, pointing toward Sanyukta, he added with mock exasperation, “Lekin ye nahi maanegi. You know, aaj kal ki ladkiyan kaisi hoti hain… husband aur uske relatives bilkul pasand nahi aate unko. Aur ye bilkul waisi hi hai.”
Sanyukta’s eyes widened in shock. “Nahi, nahi, Bua ji! Aisa kuch nahi hai!” she protested hurriedly, waving her hands. “Main toh aa jaungi! Ye khud nahi aayenge!” Her panicked defense only made everyone laugh hard.
“Nalayak!” Roshini scolded Ranvijay affectionately, pulling his ear. “Kyun karta hai aise? Bechari dar gayi vo!”
Ranvijay yelped, his dramatic wince earning another round of laughter. “Bua, mercy! Mercy!” he pleaded, though his grin betrayed his amusement.
Just then, Avu ran to his father’s rescue. Hugging Ranvijay tightly, he looked up at Roshini with wide, protective eyes. “Nooo! Huttt Dadyyyy… Buaaa… Dadiii!” he exclaimed, his tiny arms wrapping around Ranvijay as if shielding him from harm.
The sight melted everyone’s hearts, and they smiled at Avu’s possessiveness.
Ranvijay, clearly enjoying the moment, scooped Avu up and kissed him all over his face. “Finally, I have someone who will protect me!” he declared proudly. Then, in true Ranvijay style, he raised Avu high in the air, mimicking the iconic Baahubali scene. The dramatic gesture earned a round of chuckles and applause from the family.
As the laughter subsided, Kirti approached Sanyukta with a pout. “I’ll miss everyone even more now,” she said, hugging her tightly.
Sanyukta smiled warmly, running her hand over Kirti’s back. “We’ll miss you too, Kirti. Stay in touch, okay?”
The time to say goodbye came too soon. With hugs and waves, Roshini, Kirti, and Arnav left for the airport with Ranveer accompanying them. The house, which had been alive with chatter and laughter, suddenly felt quieter.
“Ghar ekdum se suna lag raha hai,” Pushpa said softly, her voice tinged with melancholy.
“Kuch der ke liye lagega hi,” Dadi replied, her wise tone offering comfort. “Dhire dhire aadat ho jaayegi.”
Everyone nodded in agreement, though a lingering sadness hung in the air. The family slowly dispersed, each retreating to their thoughts, the echoes of laughter still warm in their hearts.
“Maa, Pankaj Bhai aur Bhabhi kal Bengaluru ke liye nikal rahe hain,” Sanyukta informed Pushpa, her tone calm yet purposeful. “Toh vo log Avu se milna chahte the.”
“Haan, toh chale jao tum log,” Pushpa replied without hesitation. “Raat ko wahi ruk kar aa jana.” She turned to Ranvijay, who was sprawled lazily on the sofa, his head resting comfortably in Dadi’s lap while Avu perched happily on his chest. “Ranvijay, jaa, ready ho jao.”
Ranvijay groaned dramatically, pretending not to hear. Aarvi came running toward him and tugged at his arm. “Chachu, mujhe bhi bethna hai!”
He grinned at her enthusiasm, easily pulling her up and adjusting her beside Avu. “Aaja, princess!” he said cheerfully, making both the kids giggle as they settled on top of him.
“Maa, main nahi jaa raha,” Ranvijay declared suddenly, his tone casual but firm. “Mujhe iski dono Bhabhi pasand nahi hain… they’re so annoying.”
Sanyukta’s jaw dropped as she turned to him in disbelief. He doesn’t even hesitate to showcase his dislike toward my family… unbelievable! she thought, her mind racing.
“Asa nahi bolte, Ranvijay!” Pushpa chided him, though her tone lacked sharpness, while Dadi chuckled, clearly amused by her grandson’s boldness.
Ranvijay shrugged, his expression unrepentant. “Ab aap chahti hain main jhooth bolu? They’re so fake, Maa,” he added with complete sincerity.
This time, Dadi couldn’t resist and gave his cheek a light slap. “Beta, tere sasural wale hain woh… aise nahi bolte. Tujhe kaisa lagega agar Sanyukta humare baare mein aise bole?”
Ranvijay turned to Sanyukta with mock seriousness. “Dadi bolti hai yeh, aur mujhe bura bhi lagta hai,” he quipped, earning a groan from his wife.
Sanyukta face-palmed, utterly done with her husband. How does he lie so easily and with such a straight face?
“Bhaiiii, kyun bechari Bhabhi ke peeche pade rehte ho?” Anushka teased, jumping into the conversation. “Bhabhi, just shut him up like you did to those Aunties yesterday.”
Ranvijay’s brows furrowed instantly. “Kaunsi Aunties?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Anushka smirked. “Aapko nahi pata? Bhabhi, you didn’t tell Bhai about those Aunties?” she asked, feigning surprise.
Sanyukta groaned internally. Great. This is all I needed. He’s already mad at me for not telling him about Avu’s fall, and now this will make it worse.
“Leave her,” Ranvijay said, his tone serious now, his gaze fixed on Anushka. “Tu bata, kya hua tha?”
Sanyukta watched helplessly as Anushka narrated the entire incident about how Sanyukta had handled a group of nosy women the previous day. Ranvijay listened attentively, his expression unreadable. When Anushka finished, he turned to Sanyukta briefly, then addressed his mother.
“Maa… aap bahut galat sangat mein pad gayi hain. Stop hanging out with those bratty women,” he said with a straight face, making Dadi burst into laughter.
Pushpa shook her head at her son’s antics. “Let me talk to Papa about your friend circle,” Ranvijay continued, smirking. “Aapko bigadne mein time nahi lagega.”
This time, Pushpa picked up her slipper and hit him lightly on the calf. “Bigaad toh tu gaya hai! Tere Papa bilkul theek kehte hain,” she said, shaking her head as she walked toward the kitchen.
Ranvijay laughed, completely unfazed. He turned to Anushka and asked, “Ek short drive pe chalegi?”
“Bilkul!” Anushka replied enthusiastically.
“Let’s go, then,” Ranvijay said, effortlessly picking up Avu and Aarvi in his arms. Their delighted squeals filled the room as he led them out, his charm leaving everyone smiling despite his mischief.
"Sanyukta, tu ready ho jaa beta, jab tak ye log aa rahe hain," Dadi said to her, and she nodded, heading upstairs to the room.
Ranvijay sat in the passenger seat with both Avu and Aarvi in his arms, while Anushka was driving the car.
"Thik se chala... aaj marwa ke hi maanegi kya?" he scoffed at Anushka for the hundredth time in the last ten minutes.
"Bhai, chup chaap baithe raho yaar! You're not letting me concentrate. Itna hi problem hai toh khud kar lete drive! Ek toh aap sirf mujhe driver banane ke liye saath laaye ho... I know you too well," Anushka retorted, clearly annoyed.
"Tera driving licence cancel karwa dunga, zyada bakwas ki toh," he shot back, making her grit her teeth, extremely irritated with her brother.
"Ruk, udhar corner ke paas rok le," he instructed, and she grudgingly followed.
Ranvijay got down from the car, settling Aarvi and Avu on the seat properly.
"You two stay with Bua and keep an eye on her... main abhi aata hoon, okay?" he said. Both the kids nodded obediently and turned to face Anushka, literally keeping their eyes on her.
Anushka groaned, slamming her head on the steering wheel.
She looked at both of them, and they were still staring at her, making her laugh at their innocent yet serious expressions.
"Bua, you are such a kid," Aarvi muttered, and Avu nodded in agreement, their expressions making Anushka narrow her eyes at the two little monkeys staring at her continuously.
Ranvijay came back with two paper bags in his hands and three ice creams for them.
"Chachu, we did what you said," Aarvi said proudly, making Ranvijay smile and kiss her cheek affectionately.
He gently pulled Anushka out of the driver’s seat despite her protests, making the kids settle in the back. He then took the driver’s seat himself.
Anushka groaned dramatically but reluctantly accepted the ice cream he handed her. She multitasked, eating her ice cream while feeding bites to Avu and Aarvi.
On their way home, Ranvijay made a quick stop and bought balloons and bubbles for the kids. Their excitement filled the car, and Anushka, finding joy in their laughter, spent the rest of the ride blowing bubbles to entertain them.
Once home, Ranvijay handed the ice cream bag to the chef and carried the other bag upstairs to the room.
Sanyukta, dressed in a beautiful green anarkali suit, was almost ready to leave for her mother’s house. Her bangles jingled softly as she turned to him, a faint smile on her lips.
"Aap log aa gaye... Avu kahan hai?" she asked warmly, her eyes searching for her son.
Ranvijay didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he extended the gift bag toward her, his expression unreadable.
She hesitated but took the bag, a look of surprise flashing across her face. "Mere liye laaye hai?" she asked curiously.
He nodded, his tone casual. "Muh dikhai gift hai tumhara."
Excitement sparked in her eyes as she opened the bag quickly, only for her expression to shift to confusion when she pulled out a trophy.
Her fingers brushed over the shiny surface as she read the engraving aloud. "Mrs. Sanyukta Feminist Ultra Pro Max," she said, her brows furrowing as she looked up at him.
"Pasand nahi aaya?" Ranvijay asked, his voice laced with mockery. "Arey, I’m acknowledging your efforts... ab tum sab kuch akele hi handle kar leti ho."
His sarcasm stung, but she remained quiet. He continued, his tone dripping with irony.
"Ghar mein aag lage, bacha gire, chot lage, sar phate... you can handle everything on your own. You don’t need to tell anyone, especially your so-called two-day-old husband. Ab feminist ego hurt ho jayegi aisa karne se, right?"
Sanyukta’s throat tightened, but she forced herself to maintain composure.
"See, maine trophy pe bhi apna naam add nahi kiya tumhare piche because you don’t need me. Why lower your virtue by adding my name?" he added, crossing his arms with a raised brow.
"Ranvijay... please, aap galat samajh rahe hai... aisa kuch bhi nahi hai," she tried to explain, her voice trembling slightly. "Aap case mein busy the... mujhe laga aap pareshaan honge."
"Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness," he replied with a mocking smile. "Mera toh last case tha na woh, main toh retire ho raha hoon uske baad. I appreciate your efforts, ussi ke liye toh trophy laaya hoon."
His sarcasm cut through her defenses, and she sighed, her hands clutching the trophy tightly.
"Mera aisa koi intention nahi tha, Ranvijay. On top of that, I didn’t want to create any hindrance in your work. Shaadi se pehle aap hi ne kaha tha... inconvenience..."
"Sanyukta, are you really serious?" he interrupted sharply, his frustration evident.
"Ek baat maine bol di, ab zindagi bhar usko gale ka fanda bana do mere liye!" His voice rose slightly, the words piercing. "Bola toh maine yeh bhi tha ki Avu ko co-parent karenge, but you just have to focus on that one thing."
He took a step closer, his eyes dark with irritation. "Chipki raho ussi se... chod mat dena galti se kabhi... keep your hold tight," he said, his voice shaking with exasperation.
Sanyukta felt her chest tighten as tears brimmed in her eyes. She bit her lower lip, desperately trying to hold them back, but it was futile.
Her tears spilled silently, streaking her cheeks as she lowered her gaze, unwilling to meet his eyes.
Ranvijay noticed and ran a hand through his hair, letting out a sigh. "Don’t start crying now... I swear, mera dimag kharab ho jata hai," he muttered, his irritation now mingled with guilt.
At the same time, Anushka entered the room as the door was half open.
"Bhabhi, why are you crying?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at Ranvijay. "Bhai, you did something to Bhabhi?" she questioned him, with an edge in her voice.
"Tu jaa yahan se... faltu ka aag lagane aa gayi," Ranvijay said, pushing Anushka out of the room, his tone full of irritation.
Anushka stood in the corridor, crossing her arms and smirking at him.
"Papaaaaaa... Ranvijay bhai, Bhabhi ko rula rahe hai!" she shouted , loud enough for the whole house to hear.
Ranvijay instantly covered her mouth with his hand and dragged her inside the room, slamming her down onto the mattress with a little too much force, making her wince in pain
"Ranvijay... ye kya kar rahe ho aap? Lag jayegi usse!" Sanyukta asked in disbelief, staring at him, wide-eyed.
Ranvijay rolled his eyes, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he looked at Anushka. "Main toh chahta hoon lag jaaye isse... infact, iske haath-pair toot jaaye... kuch din hospital mein padi rahegi... ghar mein shaanti bani rahegi."
Anushka, still lying on the bed, rubbed her back and glared at him.
"Bhaiiii, you are really bad and I hate youuuu!" she said dramatically, throwing her hands up in mock anger.
"Mutual feeling, darling," Ranvijay shot back with a grin.
Anushka, not missing a beat, grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. Ranvijay dodged it just in time, but the pillow hit Sanyukta instead. She groaned loudly.
"Arrey, bhabhi... sorryyyyy! Bhai ke liye tha ye!" Anushka said, her voice full of mock sincerity.
Ranvijay then shouted, his voice echoing through the house.
"Maaaa! Ye Anuuu meri biwi ko maar rahi hai!"
Anushka groaned in frustration as Sanyukta sat on the sofa, her hands on her head, overwhelmed by the madness.
"These two siblings are going to drive me crazy one day..." Sanyukta thought to herself, her lips curving into a resigned smile. "They're worse than kids.....
Anushka huffed at her brother as she left the room, leaving Sanyukta alone with Ranvijay, who was lazily lying on the bed.
"Tyar nahi hona hai?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
"Nahi hona," he replied, his gaze fixed on his phone.
"Mere ghar nahi jana kya?" she asked, sitting beside him, her tone more curious now.
"Nahi jaana," he said, scrolling through his phone with disinterest.
Sanyukta frowned a little, but she kept her voice calm as she pressed on, "Kyu nahi jana?"
"Meri marzi," he answered without looking up.
Sanyukta sighed, leaning closer. "I’m sorry... I promise aage se sab kuch bata dungi... Please, ab naraz mat rahiye na?" She cupped his cheek, gently turning his face towards hers.
"Please..." she pouted, caressing his cheek, and Ranvijay couldn't help but smirk internally at her. Her attempts to soften him never failed.
"It's okay," he said, pushing her hand away nonchalantly, though there was a slight softness in his voice.
"No, it’s not," she insisted. "Mujhe pata hai aap abhi bhi naraz ho." She took his phone away from his hand, and he glared at her, his patience thinning.
"Aankhein dikhane de, kuch nahi hoga... Main nahi darti aapse... Samjhe aap?" she teased, squeezing his cheek playfully.
Ranvijay just looked at her, feigning indifference. "Ab normal ho jaaye na?" She asked, running her fingers through his hair.
Sanyukta bent down slightly, surprising him with a quick kiss on his cheek. Ranvijay froze for a moment, maintaining a straight face as he turned his gaze to her.
"What was that?" he asked, his voice slightly more serious but with a curious undertone.
"I don't know," she shrugged casually, trying to avoid blushing, though her cheeks betrayed her.
"Achha..." he teased, then suddenly pinched her waist, making her yelp in surprise.
She rubbed the spot where he had pinched and lightly hit him on the chest, narrowing her eyes at him. "Maine toh kiss hi kiya tha na..." she said, trying to act nonchalant.
To which Ranvijay smirked, teasing, "Toh kiss ke badle kiss chaiye thi kya?"
She shook her head at his antics but smiled. "Chaliye, ab aap normal ho gaye ho... Uth ke tayar ho jaaye, hum chal rahe hai," she said, getting up from the bed.
He sat up, stretching, and replied casually, "Main neeche tak chod ke aaunga... Main nahi ruk raha udhar."
"Kyuuu?" she pouted, looking at him with a hint of disappointment.
"Sanyukta, mujhe awkward lagta hai yaar... Aur phir vo log mere aage peeche ghoomte rahenge... Tu jaa na, apne bhai ke saath time spend kar," he explained, trying to avoid the uncomfortable situation.
Sanyukta smiled knowingly. "Kuch nahi hoga aisa... Maa ne mujhe special kaha hai aapko saath laane ke liye..." she teased, showing him her cute side.
He sighed, looking slightly defeated. "Mujhe ek case ke baare mein bhi study karna hai... You know how hectic my schedule is," he said, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
Sanyukta grinned, trying to make it work. "Udhar le chalo file... Dinner ke baad mere room mein phad lena. Mein bol dungi koi disturb nahi karega... I promise." She held his palm with a playful, affectionate grip.
Ranvijay's eyes narrowed as he thought for a moment. "Ek kiss aur kar, phir sochta hoon," he teased, his lips twitching into a smirk.
She playfully slapped his cheek, her face turning pink.
Ranvijay laughed loudly. "Ab toh main bilkul nahi jaunga jab tak nahi karegi..." he said, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Sanyukta sighed, bending slightly to kiss his cheek, but before she could, he grabbed her face gently and kissed her cheek himself, making her blush deeply.
"I love the blush," he whispered, his voice soft but playful, and then, to her shock, he bit her red cheek, making her hiss in surprise.
She gasped, making him laugh as her face had turned even redder, feeling the warmth spread from her cheeks to her ears. "You’re impossible!" she said, playfully slapping his arm as they both laughed at her reaction.
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