Ranvijay entered the house as quietly as possible, careful with every step. Shoes off, no unnecessary noise—mission: silent entry had begun. He exhaled slowly, scanning the darkened hall. Good. No one was awake.
Mei chup chaap se enter karunga and sidha washroom jaaunga... No distractions, no unnecessary conversations. Just a straight route to freshen up and sleep. Simple. Foolproof.
I will brush my teeth… change my clothes… and sleep quietly.
She will be pretending to sleep, of course. That much was obvious. And honestly? That would work in my favor. No awkward conversations, no emotional landmines, no sharp glares thrown his way. A peaceful night guaranteed.
First thing in the morning tomorrow, I will say sorry… Damage control. Crisis averted.
But that meant waking up early. Ugh. He sighed.
Hmmm… I will need to put an alarm to wake up early so that I can apologize on time.
He made a mental note, adding it to his list of lifestyle upgrades. A few changes wouldn't hurt.
✔️ Khud ke kapde khud lunga. No more calling out for help at the last minute. ✔️ Will eat whatever is available… ya phir Maa ko advance mei bol ke rakhunga jo bhi khana hai. Smart move. Foolproof.
Aur toh koi bad habits hai nahi meri, I guess... Of course, I'm not some completely reckless man.
He smirked to himself. No self-doubts, Ranvijay. You are a brilliant man. Don’t forget that, buddy.
Giving himself a quick pat on the back, he finally smiled, satisfied with his plan for tomorrow. The hall was quiet now, except for the faint ticking of the clock. Everyone had gone to bed.
He had returned half an hour ago after a few drinks with Arnav, and now here he was, sitting alone in the dimly lit space, strategizing his next moves like a man preparing for war.
Finally, he stretched, let out a quiet sigh, and made his way toward his room.
Taking slow, measured steps like a seasoned thief, Ranvijay made his way toward the washroom, careful not to make even the slightest sound. As he reached the mirror, he couldn’t help but grin at his reflection.
Mission successful.
“Excellent, man! Genius you are…” he praised himself under his breath, tilting his head smugly. “Chor bhi top quality ka banta tu, Ranvijay… but no, you’re way too perfect for that profession.” He chuckled, shaking his head at his own brilliance.
Still smirking, he brushed his teeth, changed into comfortable clothes, and finally made his way to the bed. Picking up his phone, he set an alarm—step one of damage control: waking up early to apologize.
Let me put it on charge too… he thought, reaching for the charging cable. But just as he moved, his hand accidentally knocked over the water jug from the side table.
Crash!
The loud shattering of glass echoed through the silent room, water spilling everywhere. Ranvijay froze. Shit. His gaze immediately darted toward Sanyukta.
"Mene nahi kiya… apne aap gir gaya…" he muttered quickly, as if that would somehow erase the evidence of his crime.
But she was already awake, her eyes fixed on him. He let out an awkward chuckle.
"You go to sleep again… mei abhi saaf kar dunga sab," he added, watching her get out of bed and rush to pick up the glass shards before he could.
She was fast, but he was faster.
As he bent down to help, his movements were a little less coordinated—a side effect of the drinks, maybe?—and before he realized, a sharp sting shot through his hand. A piece of glass had embedded itself into his palm.
He hissed slightly but didn’t bother looking at the wound. Not a big deal. Instead, he continued collecting the broken shards, determined to clean up the mess before she could scold him.
It wasn’t until Sanyukta turned on the main light, illuminating the room, that she saw it—blood.
Scarlet droplets mixed with the spilled water, spreading across the floor. And there he was, still picking up the glass, as if he hadn’t just cut himself.
"Ranvijayyy... ye kya kar rahe hai aap?!" Sanyukta hissed, her voice sharp with concern. "Leave it right now! Khoon nikal raha hai haath se!"
Only then did he actually glance down at his hand. Oh. He was bleeding.
He raised an eyebrow, staring at the crimson streaks on his palm as if they belonged to someone else.
"You sleep, I will manage it… dard nahi ho raha waise bhi," he said nonchalantly, flexing his fingers like it was no big deal.
Sanyukta shot him a murderous glare. "Shut up and leave it!" she scolded, her tone brooking no argument.
Ranvijay sighed dramatically, dropping the glass shards as he got up, like a rebellious kid caught in the act.
Before he could protest further, Sanyukta grabbed his hand and made him sit on the couch. Her grip was firm, leaving him no choice but to comply. She hurriedly took out the first-aid box from the side table and started dressing his wound with the kind of precision that came from dealing with his stubbornness before.
Ranvijay, for once, remained silent, watching her work. Huh. She’s fast.
Once done, she glanced at him and then at the mess. "Sleep on that side. I will clean this," she said, already getting up.
Ranvijay scoffed. "Help kar deta hu mei… abhi dustpan leke aata hu… wait for me," he announced, attempting to stand.
Sanyukta grabbed his hand before he could go far. She narrowed her eyes. "Pata bhi hai ye sab cheezein kaha rakhi hain?"
He blinked. Then shook his head. "Nope."
Sanyukta folded her arms. "Then?"
Ranvijay, undeterred, snapped his fingers as if he had just come up with a brilliant solution. "Toh kitchen se plate le aata hu… it can be used as a dustpan for tonight," he suggested, his confidence unwavering.
She let out a long, exhausted sigh. "Kuch mat kijiye… just go to sleep. That would be much more helpful," she said, pointing at the other side of the bed.
But Ranvijay wasn’t one to back down so easily. "Nahi, tum kyun karogi? Mene giraya hai, mei karunga. Jo karega, vo bharega. Tum so jao," he insisted, his stubbornness amplified by the lingering effects of the drinks.
Sanyukta pressed her temples, already feeling a headache coming on. "Kyun pareshan kar rahe ho mujhe? Mei bol rahi hoon na… just sleep and let me handle this," she said, knowing full well that if he tried helping, he’d just hurt himself again.
Ranvijay gave her an indignant look. "Nahi kar raha pareshan... bol toh raha hoon so jao!"
Then, in classic Ranvijay style, he added, "Don't worry… I can do any work. Koi kaam chhota bada nahi hota… I know household things well. I will manage it perfectly," he said, confidently patting her cheek like she was some clueless kid.
She stared at him, half-annoyed, half-amused.
He was about to walk away when she grabbed his wrist one last time, her patience hanging by a thread.
"I am telling you for the last time—sleep there quietly. Don’t test my patience now," she warned, trying to keep a serious face.
Ranvijay looked at her for a second, as if debating whether to push his luck further. But the way her eyes were glinting—it was a fine line between amusement and murder—made him reconsider.
Sanyukta watched as he hesitated, and despite herself, she wanted to laugh.
Why does he have to act so cute after making me cry? she thought, biting her lip.
Galti toh meri hi hai… I just can’t stay angry with him for long.
And clearly, not when he was acting all innocent and ridiculously adorable.
"Ab toh pii rakhi hai… subah batati hoon ache se," Sanyukta thought, eyeing him with exasperation as she led him to the bed.
"Lay down now," she ordered.
Ranvijay, grinning like an absolute fool, obeyed without a fuss.
Sanyukta shook her head, watching him in amusement. Drunk and still full of himself.
Just as she pulled the blanket over him, he grabbed her hand and, in one swift motion, tugged her onto him.
"Ranvijayyyy!" she shrieked, startled, struggling to get up.
But he held her firm, wrapping his arm around her like a human seatbelt.
She wriggled, trying to break free, but before she could put any real effort into it—
"Meri chot dukh rahi hai…" he hissed dramatically, making her stop mid-struggle.
Sanyukta narrowed her eyes. "Zyada bahane mat banaiye… and let me go! I need to clean the mess," she said, unimpressed.
Ranvijay sighed, as if explaining something to a particularly slow child. "I am also trying to clean my mess… I am sorry…" he muttered, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.
Sanyukta sighed, staring at him in disbelief. He really knew how to turn things around, didn't he?
"Kyun pi ke aaye ho?" she asked, folding her arms.
He smiled—the kind of innocent, sheepish smile that should come with a warning.
"Areyyy yaar biwi… kya hi bataun… bohot ganda feel ho raha tha, and I thought two shots won’t harm." He paused, as if debating whether to confess the rest. "Isliye thodi si pee hai… BUT! Look! I have brushed my teeth! My mouth isn’t even smelling!"
He leaned in slightly, as if daring her to prove him wrong.
"I am in my full senses," he added, looking very proud of himself.
Sanyukta raised a brow. "Dikh raha hai kitna hosh mein hain aap," she said dryly, giving his cheek a light slap.
Ranvijay chuckled.
"Maaf kiya mujhe ki nahi?" he asked, his voice softer now as he reached up, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Sanyukta bit back a smile.
"Nahi kiya… Aise ek dum se sab thik nahi ho jata… It takes time," she murmured, studying him keenly.
Ranvijay huffed.
"Ekdum se dam toot sakta hai, flood aa sakti hai… meri hawa tight ho sakti hai… toh tu bhi ekdum se thik ho ja yaar!" he reasoned, as if this was the most logical argument in the world.
Then, in the most tragic voice possible, he added, "Abhi maan ja Sanyuktaaaa… subah nahi utha jaayega mujhse…"
Sanyukta quickly looked away, trying to suppress the smile tugging at her lips.
But he wasn’t done yet.
"Acha sun… I am a changed man now! Tu sunegi toh tu khud maan jaayegi!" Ranvijay announced, sitting up slightly.
Sanyukta raised a skeptical brow. "Haan? Kaise?"
"Wait… Mei dikhata hoon tujhe…" he said, stretching his arm out under his pillow.
A second later, he triumphantly pulled out a crumpled piece of paper and held it up like it was a holy manuscript.
"Here!" he said, handing it over to her. "The improvements I am going to make in life… see for yourself!"
Sanyukta stared at the paper in her hand, then at him. This man…
Sanyukta unfolded the crumpled paper and scanned the list, her lips twitching in amusement. The sheer seriousness with which he had noted everything down made her shake her head.
Ranvijay watched her expressions keenly. "You think I cried because of these things?" she asked, letting out a sigh.
Ranvijay immediately sat up straighter, shaking his head dramatically. "Nahi! Nooo! Nopeee! Not at all!" He waved his hands for extra effect. "These are just to make things better… I mean, I know why you were upset, and I’m sorry for how you felt… I swear, I’m trying to be a good man!"
He clasped his hands together, then, as if that wasn’t enough, grabbed his ear and pulled it. "I will learn from this experience too! Maaf kar de mujhe… I promise, I won’t repeat anything again…"
Sanyukta sighed, but the sight of him pulling his ear like a schoolboy made her heart melt.
Ranvijay smirked, catching the tiny smile she was trying to suppress. "Hassi toh phassi! Maan gayi na tu!" he declared triumphantly, pulling her into a hug before she could argue.
Sanyukta chuckled, hugging him back. How could she ever stay mad at him for long?
Just as she was about to relax completely, Ranvijay pulled away slightly, his playful eyes turning serious.
"Hmm… now that you’ve accepted my sorry… I need to tell you something serious," he said.
Sanyukta frowned. "Kya?"
Ranvijay sighed. "Look, I get that you were hurt. I messed up, and I’ve apologized. You forgave me too… but you’ve hurt me as well."
She blinked, not expecting this turn in conversation.
"We got married for our own reasons, but let’s be real— we’ve come way past that. We’re an absolutely normal couple now." He held her gaze, his voice calm but firm. "Yet, whenever we fight, you use those past things to hurt me… You hold on to them and throw them in my face when you’re angry."
Sanyukta swallowed, guilt creeping in.
"You’ve made mistakes too," he continued, "but I don’t drag them into every argument, do I?"
She looked down, suddenly feeling small. "I’m sorry… I know I blabber things in the heat of the moment. It was in the past… but I love you a lot now, aap jaante hain…" she whispered, genuinely regretting her impulsive words.
Ranvijay exhaled dramatically, shaking his head. "Hmm… you need to earn my forgiveness, Sanyukta."
She looked at him, wide-eyed. "What?"
"You need to learn your lesson," he declared. "I believe in actions rather than words, so try harder in the morning." Then, without another word, he flopped onto the bed beside Avu, pulling the little boy into his arms.
Sanyukta gasped. "Ranvijayyy!" she called, shaking him lightly.
No response.
She tried again. "Ranvijay, don’t you dare fall asleep mid-conversation!"
But he didn’t even budge. Instead, a soft snore escaped his lips.
Sanyukta groaned internally. This man!
Shaking her head in disbelief, she decided to clean the mess first. If she knew anything about her husband, it was that once he decided to ignore her, there was no point wasting her energy.
By the time she was done picking up the shattered glass and drying the floor, Ranvijay was already in deep sleep, arms wrapped securely around Avu.
She let out a chuckle, shaking her head at the sight.
Pulling the blanket over him properly, she climbed into bed on the other side of Avu, making sure Ranvijay’s injured hand wasn’t pressed under his head.
One day, she’d figure out how to deal with this man. But today…
Today, she simply let herself smile.
The soft glow of morning seeped through the curtains, but the peaceful silence in the room was abruptly shattered by the blaring alarm. Sanyukta stirred, groaning softly as she reached over to dismiss it.
Her gaze shifted to the man beside her—the one who had set the alarm in the first place. And yet, there he was, sleeping soundly, completely oblivious, curled up with Avu like the world outside didn’t exist.
Shaking her head in amusement, she stretched her arms, letting out a soft sigh before leaning down to press a gentle kiss on Avu’s tiny forehead. Her lips lingered for a second before she did the same to Ranvijay, smiling at how peaceful he looked in his sleep.
Carefully, she slipped out of bed, her feet touching the cold floor as she began her day.
After a refreshing bath, Sanyukta stood in front of the mirror, carefully draping herself in a beautifully embroidered kurti paired with a matching palazzo and dupatta. She took her time, adjusting the soft fabric over her shoulders, her fingers trailing over the delicate embroidery.
She adorned her wrists with matching bangles, their soft jingling filling the quiet room. The silver jhumkas swayed gently as she fastened them, their familiar weight comforting. A small bindi graced her forehead, and finally, she reached for the sindoor, carefully applying it in the parting of her hair.
A soft blush crept up her cheeks. She knew she would have to change in a few hours, but this—this effort wasn’t for anyone else. It was for him.
For the man who had fallen asleep last night, claiming to be hurt by her words.
For the man who, despite his sarcasm, loved seeing her like this.
Her eyes flickered toward the small velvet box on the dressing table, and she smiled, opening it to reveal the delicate anklets he had gifted her. Slowly, she fastened them around her ankles, the tiny bells chiming softly as if whispering secrets only meant for him.
A warmth spread through her chest as she glanced at her reflection one last time.
Today, she didn’t just get ready.
Today, she dressed for love.
Sanyukta took one last glance at the mirror, smoothing down her dupatta as a quiet resolve settled in her heart. Last night, he had made his point, and she had listened. But now, it was her turn. She wasn’t just going to apologize—she was going to prove it, to earn his forgiveness the way he wanted. A playful smirk tugged at her lips. Ranvijay Singh Shekhawat, you may have won last night, but today… today, I’ll win you back.
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