Sanyukta reluctantly got ready, her unease evident as she prepared to head out without him. She dressed Avu, her movements mechanical, and watched as Aarvi and Anushka whisked him away with the excitement she couldn't share.
She dialed Ranvijay's number, but unsurprisingly, he didn't pick up. Typical. She sighed, retreating to the balcony swing, aimlessly scrolling through her phone when a sudden dampness and a faint discomfort tugged at her abdomen. She froze.
Rising slowly, her eyes fell on a red patch staining the seat. Her heart sank-early periods, of course. Because life had a knack for impeccable timing.
Grabbing tissues, she cleaned the seat with a grimace and headed to the bathroom, clutching a fresh dress and a pad. Once back in her room, she collapsed onto the bed as the familiar ache in her back and legs intensified.
A knock interrupted her misery. Anjali peeked in, her face creasing with concern. "Sanyukta, kya hua?" she asked, sitting beside her.
"I got my periods," Sanyukta muttered, voice muffled by the pillow.
"I won't be able to join you guys," Sanyukta added with a sigh.
"Avu-"
"You don't worry about Avu," Anjali interrupted gently. "Hum sab hain uska khayal rakhne ke liye. I'll ask Ranveer to cancel the dinner plan. Hum log phir kabhi chal lenge. Aaj Ranvijay bhi nahi hai, aur tum bhi-"
"Bhabhi, please," Sanyukta cut in. "Don't cancel it. The kids are so happy, and Anu too. Aap log jaayein."
Anjali nodded reluctantly. "Tum rest karo. Main heat pad aur kuch khane ke liye bhej dungi. Tumhare aur Ranvijay ke liye Vidya kaki dinner bana degi."
Sanyukta managed a smile at her bhabhi's care. "Thank you."
Anushka, though a bit disappointed, understood Sanyukta's condition. Soon, they all left for dinner, leaving behind the quiet hum of the house.
Avu, meanwhile, was in his element, basking in the attention of Aarvi and his beloved Bade Papa. Ranveer, just like Ranvijay, had grown deeply fond of Avu, treating the boy as if he were his own.
Back at the mansion, Sanyukta wandered downstairs, instructing Vidya kaki to prepare something light. She tried calling Ranvijay again-still no answer. She huffed, switching on the TV to drown out both the pain and the frustration of being ignored.
Vidya kaki prepared dinner and, after some coaxing, retired to her quarters at the back of the mansion. By 11 p.m., the family returned, laughter echoing through the hall as Ranveer carried a sleeping Avu in his arms.
"Sanyukta, tumne dinner nahi kiya?" Anjali's tone was both worried and reprimanding.
"Bhabhi, mann nahi ho raha tha," Sanyukta replied quietly.
Pushpa frowned. "Aise time mein bhooke nahi rehte, beta. Kuch fruit ya doodh le lo. Bina khaye mat so jaana."
Reluctantly, Sanyukta nodded, sipping a glass of warm milk before retreating to her room. She changed Avu into his nightwear, freshened up, and finally curled around her little boy, grateful for his warmth as she drifted into a restless sleep.
Ranvijay entered the room around 2 a.m., exhaustion etched into his face, his stomach growling in protest. He looked utterly drained, the kind of tired that seeped into the bones. Without a word, he headed for the bathroom. A warm shower later, he emerged wearing his usual shorts, his damp hair tousled, looking slightly more human but still worn out.
The soft rustle of movement stirred Sanyukta from her sleep. She blinked at him, then glanced at the clock, shaking her head in disapproval.
"Go back to sleep," he whispered, sitting on the bed and pressing a soft kiss to Avu's cheek, his voice gentle but raspy with fatigue.
"Dinner kiya?" she asked, her voice low but pointed.
He shook his head like a guilty child. "Abhi jaa raha hoon food hunt pe. Tumhe kuch chahiye?" he added, arching a brow with a teasing smirk.
Sanyukta sighed. "Chaliye, mei deti hoon khana." She moved to get up, but Ranvijay waved a dismissive hand.
"Agar tumhe khana hai toh aao, warna mei khud manage kar lunga," he said with a casual shrug, though his eyes gleamed with mischief. She exhaled sharply, muttering something under her breath, and left the room. He followed silently, well aware that her mood was icy.
In the kitchen, as Sanyukta reheated the food, Ranvijay perched himself on the counter, watching her like a curious spectator at a play.
"Kuch hua hai kya?" he asked, leaning forward, voice laced with mock concern.
"Nahi toh," she replied flatly, stirring the curry with more force than necessary.
"Phir ye sada hua muh kyun banaya hai?" he quipped, smirking, but her silence was louder than any retort.
She plated his food without a word, and he dug in eagerly, the aroma making his hunger even more unbearable. His first bite earned a satisfied hum-he was starving. Sanyukta put the rest of the food in the fridge and turned to leave.
"Jaana hi tha toh aayi kyu? Ruk jaati paanch minute aur," he muttered under his breath, watching her retreating figure with a lopsided grin.
After finishing his meal, he turned off the kitchen light and walked back to the room. Sanyukta lay still, feigning sleep, but he knew better.
He slid into bed, switched off the bedside lamp, and pulled Avu close, planting soft kisses on the boy's cheeks. "Mera champ," he murmured, a smile tugging at his lips. He kissed him again-multiple times, until Avu squirmed slightly but didn't wake. Within minutes, Ranvijay was asleep, snoring softly, his arm draped protectively over their son.
Sanyukta opened her eyes, watching them both. Her lips curled into a smile despite the dull ache in her back and abdomen. How does he fall asleep so fast? she wondered, amused by the soft chorus of snores from both Ranvijay and Avu.
She tossed and turned for a while, the pain gnawing at her, but eventually, the rhythmic sound of their breathing lulled her into a restless but comforting sleep.
The next morning, Sanyukta woke up as usual, ready to tackle the day despite the lingering cramps. As she emerged from the closet, she saw Avu sitting on the bed, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
"Uth gaya mera baby," she cooed, her voice soft with affection. Avu grinned, his small face lighting up, and she scooped him up into her arms, pressing a gentle kiss on his head.
She gave Avu a bath and dressed him with care, ensuring he didn't disturb Ranvijay, who was still asleep after his late return. They joined the rest of the family for breakfast, exchanging pleasantries before everyone departed for their daily routines, leaving Sanyukta, Pushpa, Dadi, and Avu at home. Even Aarvi had left for school.
"Mummaaaa... park chalo," Avu mumbled, snuggling into her lap.
"Avu, abhi kaun park jaata hai? Shaam ko chalenge, jab Aarvi didi bhi hogi," she coaxed, brushing his hair back gently.
To distract him, she turned on the TV, letting his favorite cartoons work their magic.
Ranvijay appeared downstairs, fully dressed, phone glued to his ear. "I'll be there in ten minutes," he said, voice brisk and businesslike.
"Daddyyyyyyy!" Avu squealed, running to him. Ranvijay swept him up effortlessly, kissing his cheek.
"Main aaunga!" Avu pouted, clinging to him.
Ranvijay shot Sanyukta a pleading look-his silent SOS. She stepped forward, prying Avu from his arms with practiced ease.
"Breakfast?" she asked, hoping he'd sit for a moment, but he simply shook his head and continued his call, disappearing through the front door.
Despite the dull ache in her body, Sanyukta played with Avu and even took him to the park. By afternoon, Aarvi returned, and she changed their clothes, fed them both, and coaxed them into a nap. She lay beside them, savoring the rare peace, but it was short-lived.
Guests arrived, and Sanyukta busied herself helping Vidya Kaki and her mother-in-law, sitting with the visitors to keep them company. When they finally left, the evening had set in, and Sanyukta was exhausted. But Avu, ever energetic, refused to let her rest.
Later, the household was thrown into mild chaos when Anjali fell sick and started vomiting. Ranveer rushed her to the hospital, leaving Aarvi in Sanyukta's care. Pushpa and Pratap were away at a wedding, and Anushka was buried in her assignment.
Sanyukta managed everything-serving Dadi, feeding the kids, and swallowing her pain with a light meal and a painkiller. By the time Anjali's blood tests were done, with reports due the next day, Sanyukta urged her to rest before retreating to her room with a sleeping Avu.
She changed into her nightclothes and finally called Ranvijay. To her surprise, he answered.
"Ghar kab tak aayenge?" she asked, her voice weary and strained.
"I'm in Delhi right now. I'll be back day after tomorrow," he informed her, sounding almost detached.
"Ranvijay, bata toh dete ek baar," she said, frustration slipping through.
"Bata toh raha hoon," he replied, his tone light but laced with sarcasm, making her sigh.
"Okay, I've reached the commissioner's office. Main baad mein baat karta hoon... Avu theek hai?" he asked, as if it were an afterthought.
"Ji," she whispered, and he ended the call.
She sat there, her phone clutched in her hand, tears stinging her eyes despite her best efforts to hold them back. She hated feeling vulnerable, hated the ache in her chest that his absence left.
"I can take care of myself," she murmured, as if trying to convince herself. But the tears came anyway. She cried into her palms, the hurt too raw to suppress.
Why does he come close only to push me away again? she wondered bitterly. She had grown accustomed to his presence, and now, with his absence and the gnawing discomfort of her periods, everything felt wrong.
Two long, draining days passed. Then, on the third day, Ranvijay finally returned.
Ranvijay arrived early in the morning, around 5 a.m., exhaustion clinging to him like a second skin. He quietly slipped into the room, careful not to wake anyone. After a quick shower, he climbed into bed, pulling Avu into his arms, the familiar warmth soothing him as he finally let himself relax. Within moments, he was asleep, his soft breaths mingling with Avu's.
Sanyukta had woken up the moment he entered but kept her eyes closed, feigning sleep. She lay still, torn between the urge to reach out and the decision she had made: maintain distance. Seeing him after days stirred a longing she was determined to suppress. She couldn't let herself fall further, not when she knew the pain it could bring.
Silently, she got up at her usual time, going about her routine with practiced efficiency. She dressed Avu, who was bursting with excitement. Seeing his daddy after so long had him buzzing with energy, but it was Sunday, and he had plans-plans with his beloved Bade Papa.
After breakfast, Ranveer took Aarvi and Avu to the fun park, their laughter echoing through the house as they left. Sanyukta sat with Dadi in the living room, sipping tea, her mind elsewhere.
"Sanyukta, beta, kya ho gaya hai? Aaj kal tu bohot udaas si lagti hai," Dadi asked, her voice filled with concern.
Sanyukta forced a smile, the kind that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Nahi, Dadi, aisa kuch nahi hai. Bas kuch din se thoda theek nahi lag raha tha."
Before Dadi could press further, Anushka chimed in, her teasing tone cutting through the room like sunlight breaking through clouds. "Bhabhiiii... missing Bhai, isn't it?"
Sanyukta's cheeks flushed faintly, but she maintained her composure. "Anu, chup raho," she replied, her tone light but firm, trying to brush off the teasing.
Anushka grinned, undeterred. "Kya bhabhi, admit kar lo. Bhai ko miss karte karte udaas ho gayi na?"
Sanyukta shook her head, exhaling softly. "Kuch nahi, Anu. Tumhari imaginations bohot wild ho gayi hain."
Dadi chuckled, watching the exchange with fond amusement. "Chhoti nanad aur Bhabhi ki masti toh hamesha chalti rehti hai."
Sanyukta's mood visibly dropped the moment Anushka's teasing words hit her, but she forced a smile. "Main lunch ka dekh ke aati hoon," she excused herself, her voice calm but distant, and left for the kitchen.
Dadi and Anushka exchanged knowing glances.
"Dadi... pakka Bhai ne hi hurt kiya hai Bhabhi ko," Anushka muttered, folding her arms. "He's like that-distant and clueless."
"Hmmm," Dadi sighed, nodding. "Mujhe bhi lagta hai... lekin kya karein, woh Ranvijay hi hai."
Around 1 p.m., Ranvijay finally woke up, well-rested and oblivious. He strolled downstairs in his usual t-shirt and shorts, looking more relaxed than ever.
"Afternoon, Induuu," he greeted Dadi with a grin, kissing her cheek before tugging at Anushka's hair playfully.
"Bhai! Stop it!" she shrieked, swatting his hand away.
Ranvijay chuckled, enjoying her reaction. "Baaki log kaha hai, Dadi?" he asked, scanning the room.
"Bachhe Ranveer ke saath park gaye hain, Pratap apne dost Raghuveer se milne gaya hai, aur baaki sab kitchen mein hain," Dadi replied.
"Sanyuktaaaaa..." he called, stretching out her name lazily.
Sanyukta appeared from the kitchen, holding a coffee mug, which she silently handed to him. He smiled at her, but she didn't return it.
"Kisi ne kuch bola hai kya meri biwi ko meri absence mein?" he asked, his brow furrowing as he studied her.
Without answering, she turned to leave, but he caught her hand, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. Dadi and Anushka looked on curiously.
"Bol kyu nahi rahi? Maun vrat rakha hai kya?" he teased.
"Nahi, mujhe kaam hai kitchen mein," she said, freeing her hand and walking away, leaving him standing there, perplexed.
Ranvijay leaned back on the couch, glancing at Dadi. "Dadiiii... any idea?"
Anushka didn't miss a beat. "Bhai, Bhabhi aapki wajah se hi hurt hai."
"What? Maine kya kiya? Main toh ghar par tha bhi nahi," he scoffed, feigning innocence.
Anushka crossed her arms. "Exactly! Aap ghar par nahi the, aur isi baat ka toh issue hai. I don't know what exactly, but I'm a hundred percent sure it's you."
Ranvijay raised an eyebrow, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "Itna sure khud ke baare mein kabhi hui ho toh bata dena... hundred percent sure."
Without waiting for more lectures, he strode into the kitchen, where he found Sanyukta and Anjali laughing softly while Pushpa gave instructions to the helpers.
"Takliyaaa!" Ranvijay announced dramatically, stepping inside as if he owned the place.
Anjali chuckled at his antics, while Pushpa playfully smacked his hand. "Drama kam kar," she scolded affectionately.
"Maaa, I need some privacy with my wife," he said, draping an arm around his mother's shoulders with a grin.
Pushpa arched a brow. "Toh ab tere liye hum kitchen khaali kar dein? Room nahi hai tum dono ka privacy ke liye?"
Ranvijay smirked. "Sanyukta, chalo room mein," he said casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Sanyukta stared at him in disbelief, her lips parting in shock. "Yeh kya mazaak hai?" she muttered under her breath, not moving an inch.
He leaned closer, his tone low but teasing. "Mazaak toh tab hai jab tum mere saath nahi chalti."
Her eyes flashed with irritation, but she maintained her composure. "Ranvijay, please."
He tilted his head, the humor still evident in his eyes, but there was something softer beneath it. "Fine, I'll wait," he said, stepping back with exaggerated patience. "Lekin zyada time mat lena.
"Kya chahiye aapko?" she asked softly, already feeling embarrassed.
"Personal baat hai yaar... Pushpa ke saamne kahunga toh awkward ho jayega," he said, winking at his mother, who waved the rolling pin at him, making him laugh.
Sanyukta feeling as if the ground had shifted beneath her. Pushpa and Anjali exchanged amused glances, but neither said a word.
Sanyukta hurriedly left the kitchen, knowing well that Ranvijay didn't have a filter on his mouth.
She entered the room, followed closely by him. Crossing her arms, she stood firm, looking at him.
"Boliye, kya kaam hai?" she asked, her tone firm.
"Huh... attitude?" He smirked. "Kis baat ka, biwi?" he teased, pulling her to him, making them both fall onto the bed. She gasped in surprise, hissing softly at the sudden movement.
She glared at him, but he only grinned, pinching her cheek. He wrapped his legs around hers, pinning her in place as she groaned in frustration.
"Kya hua?" he asked, propping himself on his elbow, studying her face.
"Kuch bhi nahi hua," she replied curtly, turning her face away.
"Toh phir yeh 'hot air balloon' banke kyun ghoom rahi ho? Aur teri chamchi Anu... she's framing me, saying I hurt you," he said, narrowing his eyes. "Kya maine kuch kiya hai?"
"How do I know?" she muttered. "I didn't say anything to anyone."
Ranvijay sighed. "Sanyukta, I'm not used to this," he said, his voice softer but serious. "If something is bothering you, you can tell me directly. Honestly, you're irritating me with this silence."
"What am I doing?" she shot back. "Maine toh kuch kiya bhi nahi hai! Agar phir bhi aap irritate ho rahe ho, then it's your problem, not mine." She struggled to free herself. "Mujhe jaane dijiye... I don't want to irritate you anymore."
Ranvijay sighed heavily, his patience wearing thin. "I'm asking for the last time," he warned, his voice low. "If you don't tell me now, I won't disturb you again."
Sanyukta felt his grip tighten slightly, and she could sense the tension beneath his calm exterior. His eyes held an unspoken warning. She gulped, her heart racing.
"Mujhe dar lag raha hai aapse," she admitted, her voice trembling, her eyes wide.
He closed his eyes for a moment, sighing deeply. Then, his grip softened, and he rubbed her arm gently, soothing her. "You don't have to be afraid of me... samjhi? I will never hurt you. I'm not capable of that," he muttered, his voice low and sincere.
She nodded slowly, her breathing still uneven.
He cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek tenderly. "Ab toh bata do, kya hua hai? Sach mein, mujhe kuch pata nahi hai," he said, his tone calm but concerned.
"I'm asking you for the last time... iske baad bhi nahi batana hai toh, I won't disturb you," he said, struggling to keep his temper in check.
Sanyukta could sense the tension beneath his calm facade as his grip tightened slightly on her arm.
She looked at him in silence, her heart racing, and swallowed hard, seeing the unspoken warning in his eyes.
She didn't want to admit it, but at that moment, she felt afraid of him. She was used to his playful self, but this serious side of him was unsettling.
"Mujhe dar lag raha hai aapse," she admitted softly, blinking at him, her voice trembling.
He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment before gently rubbing her arm in a soothing motion. She could tell he was trying to calm himself.
"You don't have to be afraid of me... samjhi?" he muttered, his voice low and steady. "I won't ever hurt you. I'm not capable of that."
She nodded slowly, feeling the sincerity in his words.
He cupped her face, his thumb gently caressing her cheek. "Bolegi kya hua hai? Mujhe sach mein nahi pata," he asked calmly.
Her eyes filled with tears, and she buried her face in his neck, sobbing quietly.
"You've hurt me," she whispered between hiccups. "You don't care about me. Pehle itna paas aa jaate ho, and then suddenly you abandon me, like I'm nothing to you."
"Aap bohot gande ho, Ranvijay... main nahi karungi aapse baat," she cried, like a child, making him smile at her innocent complaint.
She always projected strength, and seeing her like this surprised him. She was a warrior in his eyes, but today he realized he hadn't truly understood the depth of her vulnerability.
"Ssshhh... calm down," he murmured, running his fingers through her hair as she hiccupped, soaking his T-shirt with her tears.
"Toh meri biwi naraz hai mujhse, haan?" he teased, wiping her tears gently. She looked away, embarrassed to be crying in front of him.
He pressed a lingering kiss on her cheek, making her blush.
He kissed the other cheek, then placed a soft peck on her nose, finally coaxing a smile from her.
"You want a sorry?" he teased, watching her pout. He laughed. "Sorry, Sanyuu darling," he said mischievously, making her giggle.
"But I'm still hurt," she murmured. "Aap abhi yeh sab kar rahe ho, but you'll do it again. I know you," she said, poking him in the chest.
"Abey yaar," he grinned. "Main kaam se hi toh gaya tha na... aisa toh nahi hai ki tujhe chhod ke chala gaya." He squeezed her cheeks gently. "Kabhi kabhi jaana padta hai."
"Kahin jaana nahi hota tab bhi time se ghar nahi aate," she countered. "Pura din kaam kar lo, I won't disturb you, but at least raat ko toh ghar aana chahiye na?"
She sighed. "You're not a bachelor anymore. Don't forget, you have a wife and a kid who need your time too."
"I'll try to come home every night. Thik hai ab?" he asked. She nodded, content for the moment.
"But kya fayda?" He grinned mischievously. "Avu toh jaldi so jata hai. Do you have some different plans for the nights, haan?" He raised his eyebrows suggestively.
"Koi plans nahi hai," she said, biting her inner cheek to suppress a smile and blush.
"Aaj se meri saari raatein tumhari, Biwi," he whispered huskily in her ear, making her eyes shut tightly as he nipped at her earlobe.
She knew he was taking control of her heart completely. She couldn't even stay mad at him anymore. Was she falling for him?
A longgg chapter .....
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Comments needed 😌😁.
Intresting matter likhna tha but chapter long ho gya ....😒 Ab next mei likhungi vo ....
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