Authors pov....

The grand hall was adorned with soft golden lights, reflecting off the elegantly decorated chairs where Anushka and Rudraksh sat in the center. The ceremony was about to commence, and only close family members from both sides were present.

On one side, Sanyukta sat beside Anjali, who was engrossed in a lively conversation with Rudraksh's elder sister, Rituja. A mother to a young boy, Ritvik, nearly the same age as Avu, Rituja carried an air of quiet confidence as she conversed with warmth.

Meanwhile, away from the ceremonial spotlight, Ranvijay was comfortably seated at the dining table, casually enjoying a meal with Avu and Aarvi. The two little ones were munching away happily, their innocence lighting up the moment.

Just then, Nakul, Rituja’s husband, strolled over, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.

"Kya baat hai Ranvijayyy… Ceremony shuru hone se pehle hi khana khane lag gaye?" Nakul’s tone held mock amusement. "Abhi toh muhurat bhi nahi hua!"

Without missing a beat, Ranvijay smirked, effortlessly feeding Avu a bite before replying.

“So… ab bhook muhurat dekh ke toh nahi lagti na? Humare yaha yeh sab nahi hota… jab bhook lage tab khaa lo.”

His tone was casual, yet sharp with an underlying taunt, making Nakul’s smile falter for a brief second.

Not one to give up, Nakul shot back, "Toh tumhare ghar mein mehmano ko bina puchhe, khud khane bhi baith jaate hain kya?"

Ranvijay leaned back slightly, a knowing smirk curving his lips as he quipped,

"Yaar, woh toh mehmanon par depend karta hai. Kuch tumhare jaise VIP guests aa jaate hain… unko hum shubh muhurat pe hi khilate hain… after all, tum muhurat ke hisaab se chalne wale log ho na?"

His voice was laced with sarcasm as he casually popped a bite into Aarvi’s mouth, making her giggle.

Nakul’s face twitched slightly, but before he could retort, Ranvijay delivered the final blow with a teasing chuckle.

"Agar bhook lagi ho toh tum bhi join kar lo… Lagta hai humare yaha ka khana sun ke tum ghar se bhooke hi aa gaye ho."

Avu and Aarvi burst into giggles, while Nakul’s expression momentarily turned stiff before he forced a smile.

“Nahi, nahi… you guys continue. Main baaki sab ke saath join kar leta hoon.” With that, Nakul quickly made his exit.

As he walked away, Aarvi tilted her head and asked curiously, “Chachu, ye Uncle bhaag kyu gaye?” Her big, innocent eyes blinked up at Ranvijay.

Ranvijay chuckled, ruffling her soft curls. “Princess, shaayad Uncle humse darr gaye.”

The moment he said it, both Avu and Aarvi erupted into delighted laughter.

Just then, Avu puffed out his tiny chest, attempting to flex his nonexistent muscles. His baby voice rang out proudly,

“Daddyyy, hum stonggg haiiii na? Isiii liyeee!”

Ranvijay couldn't resist and immediately squeezed Avu’s chubby cheeks before pressing a loud, affectionate kiss on them.

But before he could recover, Avu pointed towards Anushka and Rudraksh sitting in the center and blurted out,

“Daddyyy… kidnaprrr unclll! Buaa sath kyuuu bethee haiiii?”

Ranvijay froze for a second. “Kidnapper uncle?” His brows furrowed in amusement as he turned to Aarvi for an explanation.

Aarvi, with all the confidence of a four-year-old, nodded and explained how Rudraksh had tried to bribe them with chocolates to win them over.

For a moment, there was complete silence… and then Ranvijay burst into laughter, his deep voice echoing through the space.

He pulled Aarvi close, pressing a kiss on her forehead.

“You guys are smart… Well done, babies! I’m very proud of you both.”

Hearing his words, Avu and Aarvi grinned ear to ear, their little chests puffing up with pride as they high-fived him enthusiastically.

As the ceremony commenced, the atmosphere buzzed with soft chatter and the occasional laughter of family members.

Across the hall, Sanyukta made her way toward the dining area, where Ranvijay was still seated with Avu and Aarvi, thoroughly enjoying their meal. She sighed, shaking her head in exasperation.

"Ranvijayyy… ceremony start ho gayi hai! Aur aap ka khana hi khatam nahi ho raha!" She huffed, crossing her arms.

Ranvijay, completely unbothered, took his sweet time chewing before replying, “Haan toh? Abhi start hui hai… we have time.” He waved his hand lazily, leaning back with a smirk.

Sanyukta let out an impatient breath. “Aisa nahi hota! Ek hisaab se cheezein hoti hain. Bhai-Bhabhi ke baad humein bhi jaana hai shagun ke liye.”

Ignoring her stern expression, Ranvijay casually wiped Avu’s chubby cheeks and then Aarvi’s, as if the ceremony wasn’t even happening. Then, looking up at Sanyukta, he grinned mischievously.

"Kya yaar, Sanyukta! Tum apne pati ko kitna halka le rahi ho!" He tsked dramatically. "Ek ishaare pe stage se uth ke yahan shagun lene aa sakte hain dono… chalo bula loon?" He winked, teasing her.

Sanyukta narrowed her eyes. "Ranvijay…" she warned.

But he was already turning to his little partners-in-crime. "What say, babies?"

Though Avu and Aarvi were completely lost in their own world, they instinctively agreed with him, chanting in unison, "Yesss!"

Sanyukta shot them a look, but they only giggled. She turned back to her very difficult husband, hands on her waist. “I know you well, and inn sabki koi zaroorat nahi hai. Insaano ki tarah waha chaliye, chup chaap.”

Ranvijay chuckled at her no-nonsense tone, clearly enjoying the banter. But then, he casually pointed at the bowl in front of him.

“Abhi mujhe sweet dish khaani hai.” He gestured toward the gulab jamun, looking entirely too relaxed for someone being dragged to a ceremony.

Sanyukta groaned internally. This man!

She pinched the bridge of her nose before glaring at him. “Kya bol rahe the kal raat ko? ‘Pareshan nahi karunga, acha insaan ban jaunga…’ Badi lambi list bana rahe the. Sudharna toh hai nahi aapko bilkul bhi!”

Ranvijay gasped, placing a hand on his chest like she had gravely misunderstood him. “Excuse me! I never said anything about ‘acha insaan’… main pehle se hi hoon!” He grinned smugly. “Aur tumhe list revise karni chahiye. Maine apne kapde khud liye, khud sab kiya… also, main tumse yeh nahi keh raha ki ‘Sanyukta, gulab jamun bana do abhi’.”

His voice dropped into a dramatic, deep tone as he mimicked a pleading expression, making Avu and Aarvi giggle beside him.

Sanyukta folded her arms. "Bohot ache."

Ranvijay smirked and continued, “I’m just saying jo mere saamne gulab jamun hai, vo main khaake jaunga… and you, my dear wife, cannot stop me from having these.” He raised a brow challengingly.

Sanyukta let out a slow breath, resigning to her fate of being married to this insufferable man. Without another word, she picked up the bowl of gulab jamun, scooped one up, and brought it to his lips.

Ranvijay grinned victoriously, opening his mouth, expecting a bite-sized portion.

But before he could react, she shoved the entire gulab jamun into his mouth in one go!

His eyes widened comically, struggling to chew the large piece, while Avu and Aarvi burst into uncontrollable giggles at his stunned expression.

Sanyukta smirked, satisfied. “Finish it fast.” She wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin, her tone all too smug.

Ranvijay finally managed to swallow, narrowing his eyes playfully at her. Before she could move, he reached out and sneakily pinched her waist.

“Ranvijay!” She gasped, glaring at him, while he chuckled, completely unbothered.

With a laugh, he held Avu and Aarvi’s tiny hands and began making his way toward the stage, the two little ones happily toddling beside him.

As they reached the ceremonial area, Anjali and Ranveer were performing the tilak ritual for Rudraksh.

Finally, it was their turn.

Ranvijay smirked, shooting one last playful glance at Sanyukta before stepping forward.

Ranvijay stood beside Sanyukta, holding Avu and Aarvi’s tiny hands as they all faced Rudraksh. The ceremonial atmosphere was calm, but with Ranvijay in the mix, it was only a matter of time before that changed.

Sanyukta gracefully performed the tilak, while Ranvijay extended the decorated plate toward Rudraksh. His sharp eyes glinted with mischief as he smirked.

"Kuch par ver nahi choo rahe tum… tumhare Jeeja ji ne bataya nahi kya?" He said dryly, shifting his gaze toward Nakul, who stood to the side, clearly amused.

"Ranvijay!" Sanyukta hissed under her breath, nudging his arm in warning.

But Ranvijay? He simply shrugged, unfazed.

Meanwhile, Rudraksh bent down to touch his feet, seeking blessings, and Anushka, standing nearby, let out a sigh. She knew her brother too well—there was always an agenda behind his words.

Ranvijay raised a brow, staring down at his sister. "What are you waiting for? Tu bhi kar."

Anushka exhaled dramatically before reluctantly touching his feet. Ranvijay chuckled, patting her head as if he were some all-knowing guru.

Turning to his little cheerleaders, he smirked. "Babies, ab ye uncle tum dono ke Fufa hain… okay?" He gestured toward Rudraksh, who gave a small, polite smile.

But Avu and Aarvi, being the tiny judges of the world, frowned.

“Fufaaaa?” They repeated the word, clearly unimpressed.

The room chuckled at their reaction.

Aarvi made a face, tilting her head. “Fufaaa kya hota hai, Chachuu? It sounds so badddd.” She muttered, scrunching her nose.

Ranvijay snickered, crouching down to their level. "Princess… Fufa woh hota hai jo ghar ke functions mein tantrums karta hai… muh fula leta hai..." He explained with an exaggerated pout, making them giggle.

"Aur jab tum dono ki shaadi hogi, toh ye tumhare Fufa hi sab kaam karenge!" He declared, pointing at Rudraksh, whose expression shifted from confusion to disbelief.

Sanyukta elbowed him sharply while Rudraksh gaped at him, utterly betrayed.

“Kya definition diya hai Fufa ka, Ranvijay… experience se bol rahe ho kya?” Rituja teased, raising a brow.

Ranvijay clicked his tongue. “Har cheez jo tumhe pata ho, uska experience hona zaroori nahi hai, Rituja. Observation is also a skill, you know.” His tone dripped with casual arrogance, earning a round of chuckles.

Rituja, clearly impressed, smirked. “Sarcasm runs in your blood… Rudraksh ne sahi bola tha tumhare liye.”

Ranvijay grinned. “Chalo, kuch toh sach bola isne.”

Sanyukta sighed beside him, gently pressing his hand—her silent way of telling him to wrap it up and get off the stage.

As they finally stepped down, Avu enthusiastically waved at Rudraksh. "Byeeee Fufaaaa!" He called out, delighted by his new favorite word.

Aarvi followed suit, copying Avu. "Bye, Fufaaaa!"

Rudraksh sighed, but he couldn't help but smile at the adorable duo.

As soon as Ranvijay reached his mother, Pushpa, she playfully smacked his arm.

“Nalayak!” She scolded, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.

Ranvijay just chuckled, completely unrepentant.

From the side, Kirti watched in awe before shaking her head. “Bhaiiii… kaise kar lete ho yaar aap?” She asked, half-laughing.

Ranvijay threw his arm around her shoulders with an easy smirk. “Naturally ho jaata hai… karna nahi padta. Style hai tere Bhai ka.”

Sanyukta, standing nearby, rolled her eyes. “Self-obsession hai tumhare Bhai ka.”

Ranvijay gasped dramatically, clutching his heart. “Yaar Kirti, isko le ja kuch din apne saath… aur apni uss Chachi ke ghar chhod dena jisne isse  saare bartan dhulwaye the.” He declared, pretending to be deeply wounded. “Kadar hi nahi hai meri.”

Kirti laughed. “Bhaiii, kyu pareshan kar rahe ho Bhabhi ko?” She teased before her mother, Roshini, called her away.

As she left, Ranvijay turned to Sanyukta with a smirk, reaching out to pinch her cheek.

She slapped his hand away instantly. "Sab log hain yahan! Kya kar rahe ho?!" She whisper-yelled, looking around.

Ranvijay, ever the menace, raised a brow. “Kya kar raha hoon?” He asked innocently before pulling her closer, smirking when she gasped.

“Ranvijay!” She pressed her hand against his chest, but he only chuckled at her flustered state.

As the Roka ceremony finally came to an end by late evening, everyone gathered in the hall, settling down after sending off Rudraksh’s family.

Ranvijay had already changed into his comfortable casuals, now lounging lazily on the sofa as if he owned the world. Avu and Aarvi—his two little sidekicks—had also been changed into their cute night suits, ones he had bought for them just a few days ago. The two tiny tornadoes were now running around the hall, giggling, their energy levels seemingly unaffected by the long evening.

Leaning back, Ranvijay stretched his arms and called out, “Maaaa... coffeeeee...” His tone was dramatic, as if he were on the verge of collapse.

Pushpa ji, who was engaged in a conversation with Roshini, barely spared him a glance. “I’ve already asked for it. Sab ke liye refreshments aa rahi hain.”

Ranvijay nodded, satisfied, before tilting his head mischievously toward Anushka, who was seated nearby. Resting his head comfortably in Indira Devi’s lap, he smirked.

“Daddiiiii… dekha aaj kaise ye Anu Rudraksh ki family ke saamne sanskari ban rahi thi?” He drawled, deliberately loud enough for Anushka to hear.

Indira Devi chuckled, stroking his hair affectionately, while Anu’s eyes widened in protest.

“Bhaiiiii! I was just being nice!” Anushka huffed, her hands flailing as she defended herself.

Ranvijay raised a brow, pretending to be deeply unconvinced. “Achaaa…?”

He sat up slightly, turning to his mother. “Maa, aapko kabhi isne ‘Jiii’ kaha hai? Kyunki aaj Rudraksh ki maa ko ‘Mummy ji’ bol rahi thi! Wah Anu, wah! Ekdum typical bahu material!” He mocked, pulling her leg mercilessly.

Anushka groaned, burying her face in her hands, while the entire room erupted in laughter.

But Ranvijay wasn’t done yet. “Aur Avu aur Aarvi ko toh bhaga deti hai ye! Par aaj jab Rituja ke bete ne iski dress pe cold drink gira diya, mujhe laga iss ghar mein tsunami aa jayegi.” He gasped dramatically.

Then, mimicking her calm voice, he said, “‘Koi baat nahi… bache aise hi karte hain…’”

The hall echoed with laughter as Ranvijay reenacted her sugary-sweet response, and even Anushka couldn't help but laugh at her own hypocrisy.

“I agree with Ranvijay on this.” Arnav chimed in, shaking his head. “Ekdum voice modulation ho gaya tha iska! Anu aur calm and composed? Impossible!”

Ranvijay sighed theatrically, shaking his head in exaggerated disappointment. “Mujhe ab bechare Rudraksh aur uski family ke liye bura lag raha hai… unko lag raha hoga ye iska asli chehra hai. Kitni fake hai yaar tu, Anu!”

Anushka’s jaw dropped as she turned toward their father. “Papaaaaa! Dekh lo bhai kya bol raha hai mujhe!” She whined, sounding every bit the younger sibling she was.

Pratap, who had been listening in amusement, finally intervened. “Ranvijay, stop teasing her now.”

Ranvijay huffed but didn’t back down. Instead, he clicked his tongue, shaking his head at Anushka. “Anu, you really need to grow up! Har time ‘Papaaaa Papaaaa’ mat kiya kar. Such a complaint box, yaar.”

Then, with a devilish smirk, he added, “Shaadi ke baad bhi udhar se ‘Papaaa Papaaa’ karegi kya?”

The room burst into laughter again just as the coffee arrived, and Ranvijay sat up, reaching for his cup.

Anushka, meanwhile, glared at him, crossing her arms with a pout. “Bhaiiii, yaar! Kya problem hai aapki?! Mere peeche kyu pade ho?”

Ranvijay took a leisurely sip of his coffee, eyes twinkling. “It’s your big dayyy! I’m just making sure all the attention stays on you, meri pyaari behen. Aur waise bhi, kuch hi mahine reh gaye hain tere idhar… uske baad toh tu chali hi jayegi.” His tone was mockingly sentimental, but there was an undertone of truth in his words.

Anushka rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “Thank you for your attention, but mujhe nahi chahiye ab aapki attention!”

Then, narrowing her eyes, she folded her hands and declared, “I wish aapki bhi ek beti ho… tab samajh ayega aapko!”

Ranvijay, unfazed, leaned back with a smug grin. “What wish? We already have our Princess Aarvi.” He pointed at Aarvi, who was busy munching on sweets with Avu, completely unaware of the conversation.

He smirked, ruffling Aarvi’s hair. “But look at the swag of my little sassy Princess! Umar se bada attitude hai iska!”

Anushka shook her head. “Dekh lenge jab vo badi hogi.”

Ranvijay smirked, tapping his temple confidently. “Haan, dekh lena. I believe in my training.”

The family chuckled, watching the siblings bicker like they had since childhood.

Then, Ranvijay straightened up, cracking his knuckles. “Chalo, let me show you a demo for now…”

Everyone turned toward him keenly, curiosity sparking in their eyes.

"Aarviiiii... my love!" Ranvijay called out dramatically, his voice laced with exaggerated affection.

Little Aarvi, along with Avu, immediately turned to look at him, their curious eyes wide with interest.

"Come here, both of you." He gestured them over, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Anu Bua keh rahi hai ki Aarvi bhi silly hai."

Aarvi’s head snapped toward Anushka, her eyes narrowing in offense. The way she looked at her Bua—full of sass and indignation—was enough to send the entire room into peals of laughter.

But like a true queen, Aarvi didn’t say anything. Instead, with an air of grace, she walked toward Ranvijay, dragging Avu along with her.

Ranvijay, suppressing his laughter, held her tiny hands in his larger ones, his expression suddenly serious. "So tell me, baby... if someone fights with you at school or says something bad to you, what will you do?"

Aarvi blinked up at him, completely unfazed. "I can manage if it’s just one..." she said, her voice calm and confident, "but if there are more, I will tell the teacher first and then you after coming home."

She shrugged, her tone as casual as if she were discussing the weather.

For a moment, there was silence. Then—

A wave of laughter and admiration swept across the room.

"Very nice," Ranvijay praised, his face lighting up with pride. "And now tell me something else... is it bad to be friends with boys?"

His question made everyone in the room sit up a little straighter. Now this was going to be interesting.

Aarvi, ever the confident young lady, didn’t even flinch. She tilted her head, as if weighing her answer carefully, and then declared, "Noooo..." She dragged out the word, making it sound obvious.

Then, with the same bluntness as her Ranvijay Chachu, she added, "But they should know their limit."

Dead. Silence.

And then—

The hall erupted.

Laughter, claps, and whistles filled the air as everyone lost it at Aarvi’s savage response. She had delivered it in the exact same tone Ranvijay would have.

Kirti, still recovering from the shock, muttered under her breath, "She even knows the limits too..." Completely amused by the four-year-old’s wisdom.

Ranvijay smirked, puffing his chest out as if he had just won an award. "Of course she does! She is the smartest girl!" He declared, ruffling Aarvi’s hair affectionately.

"Go, baby. You both can play now."

The moment he said that, Aarvi and Avu didn’t waste another second and ran off, giggling and chattering.

Ranvijay, still grinning, suddenly turned toward the family and clapped his hands together.

"Acha suno sab!" His voice rang through the hall, immediately grabbing everyone’s attention.

"Kal main aur meri biwi ja rahe hain honeymoon ke liye... Bali!"

Silence. For just a heartbeat.

And then—

A loud chorus of cheers and hoots erupted around the room!

Sanyukta, who had been peacefully sipping her coffee, choked.

Her eyes snapped toward Ranvijay, her face turning a deep shade of red. Did he just—?

"How can this man say these things so openly that too in front of everyone?!" She gaped at him in disbelief, resisting the urge to throw a cushion at his face.

As if that wasn’t enough, Ranvijay had the audacity to wink at her.

Another round of hooting and teasing followed.

Sanyukta wished she could sink into the floor. Ranvijay, on the other hand, looked absolutely unbothered, sipping his coffee as if he hadn’t just sent the entire house into a frenzy.

Comments please ...😁