"Are you sure... Abhi bhi soch lijiye Ranvijay!" Sanyukta asked him again, her brows slightly raised in concern as she folded her arms, watching him with a thoughtful gaze.
"There is nothing to think about it... Maa ne khud suggest kiya hai yaar," Ranvijay replied casually, stretching his legs out and making himself comfortable on the couch. "Aur waise bhi, we haven't gone anywhere after marriage."
Sanyukta smiled softly, her heart warming at his excitement, but the worry didn't completely leave her eyes. She shifted beside him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I know, and I'm happy with whatever you decide in this matter," she said sincerely, her tone gentle. "Bas isliye puch rahi hoon... Kya aap bilkul sure hai? Kal ko kahin aap regret na karein..."
Ranvijay placed his phone down for a moment and turned slightly to face her.
"Biwiii... I stick to my words and decisions," he said with that signature smirk that always made her heart skip a beat. "Hum jaa rahe hain and that's final. Maine Bali ki tickets bhi book kar li hai. You, me, and Avu... bas hum teenon ka trip."
For a brief moment, the thought of escaping all the family chaos for a peaceful trip brought a genuine smile to Sanyukta's face.
"Aarvi ko bhi le jaana chahta tha main, but Ranveer Bhai and Papa ne mana kar diya," Ranvijay added with a shrug, picking his phone back up, scrolling as if sealing the conversation.
Sanyukta leaned back, thinking for a second. "Kitne din ke liye jaa rahe hain hum log?" she asked, her mind already ticking through what all she’d need to pack.
"Five days. We’ll be back on Sunday afternoon... Kal raat ki tickets hain," Ranvijay informed her, eyes still on his phone, already imagining the much-needed break.
As the house buzzed with preparations for the upcoming Roka, Sanyukta found herself juggling between helping out and packing for their trip. The sound of laughter and chatter echoed from different rooms, the air filled with excitement.
Just then, Anjali peeked into her room, a playful glint in her eyes. "Sanyukta... hum log market ja rahe hain kuch shopping karne. Tumhe kuch leke aana hai toh aa jao saath," Anjali offered warmly.
"Nahi Bhabhi... Sab hai bas Avu ke liye sandals chahiye," Sanyukta replied, folding a kurta neatly into her suitcase.
"It's okay... main le aaungi Avu ke sandals. Tumhare liye bhi fancy cheez le aani hai toh bol do," Anjali teased, making Sanyukta's cheeks flush an adorable shade of red.
Sanyukta quickly looked down, trying to hide her tomato-red blush, pretending to rearrange clothes that were already perfectly folded. Anjali chuckled, thoroughly enjoying the reaction before leaving with Anushka for their shopping spree.
Left alone, Sanyukta headed to the living room where Pushpa ji was carefully arranging the shagun baskets. Without a word, she joined in, her hands expertly folding the envelopes.
"Maa, inke upar se moli baandh du kya? Shagun ka samaan hai na, jo aap Rudraksh ko dengi," Sanyukta asked softly, carefully picking up the delicate tray while glancing at Pushpa ji, who smiled warmly at her.
"Baandh de, bache," Pushpa ji replied affectionately, patting Sanyukta's head as a blessing before returning to arranging the baskets.
After a few minutes of silent work, Pushpa ji looked up. "Packing ho gayi tum logon ki?" she inquired.
Sanyukta wiped her hands on her dupatta and sighed. "Maine apne kapde toh rakh liye, Maa... Ranvijay aur Avu ki packing reh gayi hai."
Pushpa ji laughed knowingly. "Us nalayak ke bharose mat reh... vo end moment tak bolta rahega 'ye rakh lo, vo rakh lo.' Apne hisaab se le le uske kapde. Don't ask him," she added with a playful eye-roll, making Sanyukta chuckle.
"Yahi karne waali hoon Maa... par ek baar toh poochna padega. Nahi toh phir vo tantrums dikhayega... ki mujhe pucha nahi and all," Sanyukta smirked, shaking her head. "Arnav Bhai ki shaadi mein aisa hi kiya tha unhone."
She paused for a second, her gaze drifting to the hallway. "Aarvi ko bhi le jaate hum log... vo sad ho jaayegi uske bina gaye toh," she added thoughtfully, glancing back at her mother-in-law.
Pushpa ji smiled with understanding. "Anjali ne usse party ka bolke functions mein busy kar liya hai. Aur bacchon ko le jaayegi toh unke khane-peene mein hi busy ho jaaoge. Khud kab enjoy karoge? Main toh kehti hoon, Avu ko bhi mere paas rehne do."
Sanyukta's eyes widened. "Aapko pareshan karega Maa, vo... upar se ghar mein function hai. Aap usse dekhenge ya mehmaanon ko? Bhabhi bhi pregnant hain... unko bhi do bacchon ko manage karna mushkil ho jaayega. And most importantly, Ranvijay toh kabhi nahi maanenge Avu ko chhodne ke liye."
She let out a small laugh. "He even argued with Ranveer Bhaiya for Aarvi... Last mein jab Bhabhi ne kaha ki Aarvi function enjoy karna chahti hai, tab maane the vo."
Pushpa ji shook her head knowingly, the kind of shake that only years of handling her stubborn son could justify.
Without needing any further words, Sanyukta continued helping her with the arrangements. After finishing the Shagun baskets, she moved to the kitchen, where Vidya kaki was busy with dinner prep.
Rolling up her sleeves, Sanyukta joined in, immersing herself in the comforting chaos of family, festivities, and the quiet excitement of the upcoming trip.
After dinner, everyone retired to their respective rooms, and the house slowly settled into silence.
“Avuuu... come to bed now. It's time to sleep, baby. Leave all these toys,” Sanyukta called softly, watching her little boy completely engrossed in lining up his cars and trucks in a perfect row on the carpet.
“Fivvv minuuttt, Mummaaaa...” he pouted, giving her a fleeting glance with his big, innocent eyes before returning to his important task.
Sanyukta crossed her arms over her chest, standing with her hand on her waist. “You’ve been saying that for the last thirty minutes. Your five minutes never end.”
Ranvijay still hadn't returned yet, and the day’s exhaustion was beginning to weigh heavily on her.
Avu, completely unaffected, made a dramatic cute face, blinking those big doe eyes, as if trying to melt his mumma’s heart with just one look.
But Sanyukta wasn’t having it tonight.
“I’m not your Daddy who’ll melt seeing your antics,” she warned playfully, bending down to pick up his scattered toys and start putting them back into the basket.
“Noooooo... Mummaaaa... olyyyy twoooo minuttttt... plsssse,” Avu whined, trying to snatch one of his cars back from her, his tiny hands grabbing at the basket.
But Sanyukta knew all his excuses too well.
“Avuuu... It’s past nine, and Mumma is really tired, bache. We have to wake up early tomorrow... Mumma has a lot of work to finish,” she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.
And that was the end of Avu's patience.
With a dramatic flair only toddlers possess, he flopped onto the carpet, his little arms and legs sprawled out as he burst into tears.
“Badddddddd gurllll...” he howled between sobs, glaring at his mumma as if she’d committed the greatest betrayal by dismantling his precious row of cars.
Sanyukta shook her head, sighing, as she locked the toy basket away in the cupboard, ignoring the little storm rolling on the floor behind her.
“I wann Daddyyyyyyyy...” Avu cried louder, rolling on the mat, his teary eyes following his mumma’s every move as if silently pleading for mercy.
The moment he realised she wasn’t giving in, his cries intensified.
“Hrtttttt kiyaaaaa... Badddd Mummaaaa... Dadiii rumm janaaa haiiiiiii...” he wailed, flinging his arms and legs in the air, his face red and blotchy from all the crying.
Sanyukta walked over and scooped him up, even as he wriggled in protest, his sobs echoing through the room.
“Sab so rahe hain... Nobody is up to entertain you at this hour,” she reminded him, settling on the bed with the crying Avu thrashing lightly in her lap.
But he wasn't done yet.
“Avuuuu... thapad lagega ab,” Sanyukta warned as he pushed against her, his tiny legs kicking her hands away in defiance.
In the middle of his tantrum, his little fist grabbed onto her mangalsutra, tugging it as he bumped his head against her chest, making her hiss softly at the sudden pain.
Before she could calm him, his tiny nails scratched across her neck, leaving faint red marks in their wake.
Frustrated and overwhelmed, Sanyukta lightly tapped his cheek, not hard enough to hurt, but enough to make him pause and stare at her in shock through his tears.
For a moment, his sobs hiccupped as he looked at her accusingly, his lips trembling. Then, as if her tiny scolding had broken his heart, his cries resumed with new energy.
“Maraaa... mekooo... Daddyyyyyyyy...” Avu wailed, clinging to her tightly, his little hands grabbing fistfuls of her kurta as he buried his wet face into her shoulder.
Sanyukta's heart clenched. She wrapped him in her arms, pressing soft kisses to his head, her hand rubbing soothing circles on his back.
“Shhh... bas, baby... Mumma loves you... no more crying,” she whispered, gently rocking him as his sobs slowly faded into soft hiccups.
Within minutes, the fight left his tiny body. He snuggled closer, his warm cheek pressed against her neck, his breath evening out as sleep slowly took over.
Sanyukta wiped the last of his tears from his flushed cheeks and kissed his head again, feeling a deep pang of guilt for the light slap.
He had become so much more stubborn and naughty these days... and she knew exactly who was to blame.
It’s all because of Ranvijay.
He had spoiled their son beyond limits.
"Let your Daddy come home... He also needs a few slaps," she muttered softly, glancing down at her peacefully sleeping boy. She kissed the spot on his cheek where she had tapped him earlier, her heart aching with love.
It was rare for her to scold him like this, but sometimes, when he truly pushed his limits with tantrums, she had to be strict. And yet, even then, all she wanted was to protect him, to comfort him, to wrap him in her arms and never let go.
Carefully, she laid him down and tucked the blanket around his small body. For a moment, she just stood there, watching him sleep, his long lashes resting on his chubby cheeks, his little fingers curled against the pillow.
She smiled, though exhaustion tugged at her bones.
Quietly moving to the dresser, she picked up her moisturizer and gently applied it over the scratch marks on her neck.
"First thing in the morning, I'm chopping those tiny claws," she thought with a soft laugh, glancing once more at the love of her life sleeping soundly on the bed.
And despite the chaos, the scratches, the tears... her heart had never felt fuller.
The door clicked open, and Ranvijay entered the room.
“Helloooooo Sanyuuu Darling...” he greeted playfully, raising his brows at her as he lazily threw his bag and blazer onto the couch.
Without wasting a moment, he climbed onto the bed beside Avu, sighing heavily as if the entire day's exhaustion melted away just by being near his little boy.
“My baby has slept...” he whispered softly, pressing a gentle kiss to Avu's cheek. His gaze lingered on his son’s face, studying him carefully, as though checking if he was truly asleep and perfectly fine.
From the dresser, Sanyukta watched the scene, a tired smile brushing her lips.
“Don't disturb him now. Badi mushkil se soya hai... after scratching me and getting a slap from me,” she informed him, combing her hair with slow strokes.
Ranvijay’s head snapped up. He met her eyes in the mirror, disbelief flashing across his face.
“You slapped him?” he asked, his tone sharp, as if he couldn't quite believe what he'd just heard.
“Soo nahi raha tha... and look what he’s done,” Sanyukta replied, turning around and craning her neck to show him the fresh scratches Avu had left behind.
Ranvijay's brows furrowed as his gaze shifted from her neck back to their sleeping son.
“Toh tum maarogi usse?” he asked seriously, his voice low but edged with disappointment.
Sanyukta sighed. “Halka sa mara tha... and karna padta hai kabhi kabhi when he doesn’t listen. Saara time bacha sambhalna easy nahi hota,” she explained, exhaustion evident in her tone.
Ranvijay’s jaw tightened as he softly ran his fingers over Avu’s cheek, his touch feather-light, as if afraid to wake him.
“Nahi sambhala jata toh bol do na... but I won’t tolerate you slapping him,” he said firmly, his voice holding a quiet anger that made her frown.
Sanyukta shook her head, knowing how protective Ranvijay was of Avu.
“Aapse baat karna bekaar hai... You’re the one who has spoiled him,” she muttered under her breath.
But Ranvijay didn’t budge. His eyes were only on Avu as he continued to stroke his little head, his heart aching at the thought of his boy crying.
“I’m serious, Sanyukta... and I’m telling you this for the first and last time,” he said, his voice unwavering. “Never slap him again. Bache karte hai tantrums... you could have scolded him lightly. Maarne ki zarurat nahi thi... look how much he had cried.”
His fingertips lingered protectively on Avu’s cheek, as if silently promising his son that nothing would ever hurt him again, not even lightly.
Sanyukta watched quietly. She knew there was no winning this argument tonight, and honestly, she was far too drained to try. Sleep was all she wanted.
“Dinner kiya?” she asked him, her voice softening.
“Hmmmmm,” he hummed in response, his lips pressing another affectionate kiss to Avu's cheek as if to soothe whatever leftover sadness lingered from earlier.
“Good night then... I’m sleeping,” she said, settling onto her side of the bed, pulling the blanket up as she closed her eyes.
Ranvijay only nodded, carefully shifting Avu closer to himself, wrapping an arm around his son as though shielding him even in his dreams.
Sanyukta opened one eye and smiled faintly, noticing how Ranvijay was examining Avu's face with utmost care, checking every little feature as if making sure she hadn't truly hurt him.
“Go and get changed... I can’t sleep with the lights on,” she murmured, her voice drowsy.
Ranvijay glanced at her for a moment, then rolled his eyes with a grin.
“Close your eyes and you’ll feel dark all around,” he quipped back, his usual mischief slipping through.
“Pareshan mat kijiye... I’m really sleepy,” she yawned, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ranvijay leaned over and pinched her nose lightly before getting up, making her swat at him half-heartedly as he walked toward the washroom.
But before disappearing inside, he looked back at Avu, his gaze lingering for just a second longer, as if silently promising:
Daddy’s here. Nothing can hurt you.
Sanyukta opened her sleepy eyes, groaning softly as cool droplets of water splashed on her face. Squinting up, she found Ranvijay grinning down at her, mischief shining in his eyes.
“Kya hai ab...” she mumbled, swatting his hands away lazily as he squeezed her cheeks playfully.
“Side ho jaaa...” he said, nudging her gently, pushing her onto the mattress just enough to make space for himself beside her.
Without waiting for her response, he slid under the blanket and pulled her onto his chest, tucking her safely into his arms.
For a moment, he simply lay there, his palm resting on her head as he stroked her hair with slow, calming movements.
“Next time mat maarna bache ko... I don't like it,” he murmured softly, his tone holding no anger anymore, just a quiet request.
Sanyukta only hummed sleepily in reply, too exhausted to argue, her face nuzzled against his shoulder.
Ranvijay smiled to himself, his heart settling as he felt her breathing slow down again, already slipping back into sleep.
Tilting her head slightly, he carefully examined her neck, running his thumb softly over the faint red marks Avu's little nails had left behind.
A low chuckle escaped him.
“Mera badla liya hai mere bete ne...” he whispered to himself, the corners of his lips lifting as he admired the peaceful face of the woman in his arms.
Messy hair falling over her forehead, lips parted slightly as she snored softly—his Sanyukta.
His constant. His peace. His chaos.
Ranvijay leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead, then her nose, as if silently thanking her for being everything he never knew he needed.
Carefully adjusting the blanket over her, he tightened his hold just a bit, wanting to shield her from even the cold air around them.
“My early bird...” he murmured fondly, watching as her nose twitched in her sleep at the warmth of his breath.
His gaze shifted briefly to Avu, sleeping soundly on the other side.
Both of them.
So alike.
Both deep sleepers, both with those innocent, soulful eyes, both curling up tight when the room got a little too cold. Both waking up before sunrise, ready to fill his day with noise, love, and chaos.
And he loved them.
God, he loved them.
Everything he had ever fought for, everything he had built, none of it mattered more than these two breathing beside him.
Ranvijay sighed in contentment, closing his eyes with a final kiss on Sanyukta’s hair.
Yeh dono hi meri zindagi hai... aur mujhe inse zyada kuch nahi chahiye.
And with that thought, he drifted off, his arms still wrapped protectively around her, as if even in sleep, he couldn't dare let her go.
The morning sunlight streamed softly into the house, casting a warm glow as Sanyukta finished her packing and double-checked every little detail.
Meanwhile, Avu was busy entertaining himself, running from one corner to the other in search of mischief. Without his crime partner Aarvi, who had already left for school, the house felt unusually quiet, but Avu was managing just fine.
“Daduuuu... badyyy patyy hai,” Avu asked, his big, curious eyes fixed on the grand decorations being put up in the hall.
Pratap chuckled, immediately scooping the little boy into his arms as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Avu always brought a different kind of calm to him—a softness he never showed to anyone else.
“Birthday party nahi hai beta... Bua ka Roka hai,” Pratap explained, gently bouncing Avu on his arm. “But Avu toh jaa raha hai plans mein... You won’t be here to enjoy the party with us.”
Avu's lips pouted instantly, his little face falling at the thought.
Pratap’s heart tugged seeing that expression. He cupped Avu’s cheek lovingly.
“You want to be here? Agar Avu bolega toh Dadu nahi bhejenge Avu ko... and we will enjoy here,” Pratap said softly, his voice full of affection. “Nayi dress pehnega mera beta, sweet khaega, dance karega...”
Avu nodded enthusiastically, his curls bouncing with the motion.
“Patyyy mei aana hai mekooo, Daduuu,” he said in his sweet voice, and Pratap couldn't help but smile widely, pressing a kiss on his little head.
“Kyu nahi bacha... Aapko kahi nahi jaane denge Daduuu... You’ll stay right here with us,” Pratap promised, holding him close as if he could shield him from the world.
From the sofa, Pushpa watched them with a knowing shake of her head.
“Bacha hai vo... jis taraf kahoge, uss taraf ho jayega,” she said, sipping her tea slowly. “Abhi Ranvijay aake bolega ki plane mein chalna hai, toh Avu usko bhi mana nahi karega. Koi fayda nahi hai khush hone ka.”
Pratap shot her a look, his playful mood shifting into something far more serious.
“Vo sab mein dekh lunga,” he replied firmly, adjusting Avu on his lap. His voice deepened, laced with the weight of years of experience. “Ghar mein function hai, aur bacche bahar jaayein? Acha lagta hai kya ye sab? Tumhara toh dimag kharab ho gaya hai, Pushpa. Aur tumhare jaisa hi vo tumhara beta hai.”
Pushpa stayed quiet, knowing where this was heading.
Pratap continued, his words deliberate and calm, as if trying to reason with her one last time.
“Jaa raha hai bahar... parso chale jao, kaun mana kar raha hai? Lekin aaj... relatives honge, saara parivaar hoga.” He paused, looking towards the decorated hall. “Past mein jo kuch hua, usko hum change nahi kar sakte. Anu ki shaadi ab Rudraksh se hi honi hai... aaj nahi toh kal you both have to accept it.”
He glanced at Pushpa, his eyes reflecting not anger but the tiredness of carrying unresolved grudges for too long.
“Kal ko shaadi hogi, tab bhi bahar bhejogi kya usse? Maaf karne wala bada hota hai. I know jo bhi hua, it wasn’t right... but we can't hold on to it forever.”
Pushpa opened her mouth to speak, but he raised a hand gently, asking her to listen.
“That boy deeply regrets it. Bohot baar maafi maang chuka hai, including his parents. Ab aur kya expect karti ho? Ab unse rishtedaari bana rahe hai hum... lifetime ka rishta hai. Aise hi grudges rakhogi saari umar?”
The room felt heavy. Even little Avu, sensing the shift in mood, looked up at his Dadu with wide eyes, silently observing the tension between his elders.
Pratap noticed and softened immediately, kissing Avu’s temple.
“Tumhara dimag ek jagah atak gaya hai. Agar kuch ho jata toh... par reality yeh hai, kuch nahi hua. We were there for Ranvijay... He got back stronger.”
Pratap sighed, his voice now laced with the wisdom of years.
“Jitna bada banogi yeh baat, utni badi ban jayegi. At least give him a chance to seek forgiveness. Tum log toh bas ek zidd pakad ke baith gaye ho.”
He exhaled deeply, his gaze thoughtful.
“Ranvijay toh stubborn hai... zindagi nahi dekhi usne, nahi samjhta itni complexity. But tumne toh ek umar guzari hai, Pushpa.”
There was a pause. Avu blinked up at him innocently, as if trying to read between the lines.
“I know ek scar hai, ek wound hai... but uska ilaaj karo. Ignore karne se kuch nahi hoga. Jo dus saal mein nahi hua, vo kuch mahino mein ho jayega? Roke mein bhaag raha hai vo... kuch mahine baad shaadi hai, tab bhi aise hi bhagega? Rishta khatam kar lega apni behan ke saath?”
Pratap shook his head as if the very thought pained him.
In the middle of the silence, Avu suddenly piped up with his innocent voice, blinking his big eyes at Pratap.
“Nooo gussaaa Daduuu... dink waterrr,” Avu said, offering his own little solution to the tension.
Pratap stared at him for a beat before laughing softly, ruffling the boy's hair with affection.
“Dadu gussa nahi hai, bete,” he assured him. “Bas aapki Dadi ko samjha rahe the... Ab aapki Dadi buddhi ho gayi hai, sun nahi paati... isiliye Dadu zor se bol rahe the.”
Avu nodded as if it all made perfect sense.
Pushpa scoffed.
“Acha... main buddhi ho gayi hu? Aur apne baare mein kya khayal hai? Mujhse toh kahin zyada budhe lagte ho.”
Pratap chuckled and shook his head, defeated for now.
Pushpa, smirking, turned to Avu.
“Avuuu... beta jao zara dekh ke aao, Mumma ne breakfast mein kya banaya hai.”
Avu nodded eagerly and ran off to the kitchen, his little feet padding quickly across the floor.
As soon as he left, the silence between Pratap and Pushpa returned—but the conversation wasn’t over. Not yet.
Ranvijay descended the stairs, adjusting his watch, already dressed sharply as he had some important work to wrap up before their trip. His gaze automatically searched for his little shadow, and sure enough, there he was—his Avu, trailing behind Sanyukta, clutching onto her dupatta like his life depended on it.
“Mummaaaa…” Avu's tiny voice echoed as he peeked out from behind the flowing fabric, hiding himself again with a mischievous giggle.
Sanyukta glanced over her shoulder, pretending she couldn’t see him. “Kahan gaya Avu? Mujhe toh dikh hi nahi raha,” she played along, making Avu erupt into another round of innocent laughter, his dimples on full display.
But the moment Ranvijay called out, “Avuuuu…”, the little boy abandoned his hiding spot and sprinted toward his Daddy, his tiny feet pattering excitedly across the floor.
Without missing a beat, Ranvijay scooped him up and tossed him high in the air, earning a delighted shriek from Avu.
The hall filled with the sweetest sound—Avu's uncontrollable giggles—as Ranvijay tickled his sides, twirling him around like his most prized possession.
“My little champ! Kaha chhup gaya tha mujhe chor ke?” Ranvijay asked, kissing his cheek before settling him on the dining table.
Avu folded his little legs cutely, sitting cross-legged like a miniature yogi right in front of his Daddy, picking at his breakfast while watching Ranvijay like he hung the moon.
Sanyukta served Ranvijay his plate, shaking her head fondly at the duo’s daily antics.
Ranvijay took a bite and then leaned closer to Avu, lowering his voice in mock seriousness. “Avuuu… kal raat Mumma ne maara tha na?”
At once, Avu's tiny pout appeared, and he nodded dramatically, his small palm cupping his chubby cheek. “Idharrr maraaa…” he pointed at the exact spot, his expression so innocent that Ranvijay barely held back his grin.
“Toh Daddy ko Mumma ko punish karna chahiye na?” Ranvijay asked, raising his eyebrows, thoroughly enjoying the moment.
Sanyukta immediately shot him a glare, but Avu—sweet little peacemaker—looked over at his Mumma and softly shook his head. “Noooo…” he whispered, his love for Sanyukta shining through his big, honest eyes.
Sanyukta’s heart melted instantly. She slapped lightly on Ranvijay arm giving him a wining smile .
But Ranvijay wasn't done with his mischief. He dramatically clutched his arm, wincing. “Ahhhh… Dekho Avu! Mumma ne toh mujhe abhi bhi maar diya! Yeh toh galat hai…”
Avu's eyes widened, and his little finger pointed accusingly at Sanyukta. “Nooo Mummaaaa… do notttttttt…” he said, his words all jumbled but his meaning perfectly clear.
Ranvijay leaned in conspiratorially. “Avuuu… Daddy slap back kare Mumma ko? Bahut dard ho raha hai.”
This time, Avu considered it seriously for a moment... and then nodded with full support. “Yesss!”
Before Sanyukta could process what was happening, Ranvijay cheekily spanked her from behind, making her gasp.
“Ranvijay!” she looked at him with wide, disbelieving eyes, her cheeks flushed in shock.
But Ranvijay only grinned ear to ear. “It’s equal now! Haina Avu?”
Avu giggled, clapping his hands and giving his Daddy the cutest little high-five.
Sanyukta shook her head in defeat. “Kitne besharam ho aap... bache ke saamne koi aise karta hai kya?”
Ranvijay shrugged, completely unfazed. “Toh tumne bhi maara tha bache ke saamne… infact mere bache ko bhi maara tha!”
Sanyukta huffed, knowing there was no winning against him. “Aap impossible ho.”
Ranvijay smirked victoriously, sipping his tea like the king of the world.
Before getting up, he ruffled Avu's hair lovingly. “Chalo champ, ab lunch ke baad ready rehna… 4 baje nikalna hai airport ke liye.”
Avu nodded obediently, his big eyes following Ranvijay as he left, already missing his Daddy's attention.
And Sanyukta? She just stood there, staring at both her boys, silently wondering how life blessed her with this chaos and love all rolled into one.
In the evening...
Sanyukta carefully put Avu down for his nap after lunch and began getting ready to leave for the airport.
She checked all the documents twice, ensuring everything was safely placed in her handbag. Ranvijay's clothes were neatly arranged on the bed, his essentials kept within easy reach, and their luggage was lined up near the door—ready to go.
There was a different glow on Sanyukta’s face, her excitement clearly reflecting in her every move. This trip meant a lot. After weeks of constant tension, arguments, and emotional exhaustion, it finally felt like they were getting a breather—a chance to steal some peace just for themselves.
She couldn’t wait to make memories. For the first time, she would be flying out of India, something she never got the opportunity to experience before. And with Ranvijay and Avu by her side, it was going to be even more special.
She even called her mother, sharing details of the trip and promising to send pictures.
Now, dressed and ready, she sat scrolling through her phone, checking the time every now and then as she waited for Ranvijay.
The moment he entered the room, Sanyukta looked up immediately, her smile wide, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Aap ki saari cheeze maine bed pe rakh di hai... get ready fast,” she said eagerly, her anticipation evident in her voice.
But all her excitement came to a halt when Ranvijay took a deep breath and spoke,
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