Authors pov....

“Sanyukta, sab rakh liya na beta, ache se?” Pushpa ji asked, her voice filled with motherly concern as she eyed the packed bags.

“Jiii Maa, sab rakh liya hai...” Sanyukta responded with a small smile, double-checking everything.

It was 5 in the evening, and their flight to New Delhi was scheduled for 7 PM. From there, they would board a direct flight to Bali—a much-needed getaway.

Meanwhile, Ranvijay was lounging comfortably, engrossed in a lively chat with Dadi, while Avu—his tiny tornado—was zipping across the room, squealing in delight. The little boy was too excited for his first international trip, his chubby legs moving at full speed, making everyone chuckle.

“Ghar bohot sunna sa ho jaayega...” Indira Devi sighed, watching her grandson and his family prepare to leave. “Anjali bhi Aarvi ko leke Jaipur chali gai apne mayke, ab tum log bhi chale jaaoge...” She already felt the emptiness creeping in.

Ranvijay, ever the drama king, immediately pulled her into a half hug.

“Induuuuu...” he drawled dramatically, making her chuckle. “We will be back even before you know it! It’s just a four-day trip, not some exile!”

She shook her head at his antics, but a small smile touched her lips.

Ranvijay's eyes twinkled mischievously. “Chalo batao, what do you want from Bali? Diamond necklace? Imported shawl? Ekdum asli Balinese Brand New Dada jii ?” He pinched her cheek, grinning.

Indira Devi swatted his hand away. “Kuch nahi chaiye... bas tum log apna dhyan rakhna.”

Ranvijay sighed dramatically. “Dadi, yeh toh wahi baat ho gayi jaise Sher se khedo -Ghaas khane ke liye !” He shook his head in mock disappointment.

Dadi chuckled, shaking her head.

“Okay, fine! I will take care of myself.” He grinned. “Lekin ek deal hai. Bali se wapas aate hi, mujhe humare favourite serial ka full update chahiye! Scene-by-scene breakdown, every twist, every saazish. Agar hero heroine bhaag rahe hain, toh uska bhi full commentary!”

Dadi narrowed her eyes playfully. “Tu khud dekh lena!”

“Bilkul nahi! Main chahata hoon ki aap mujhe narrate karo, Dadi-exclusive recap! Aur haan, beech beech mein thoda extra mirch-masala bhi daalna for dramatic effect!” Ranvijay smirked.

Dadi burst into laughter, shaking her head. “Pagal hai tu!”

Just then, Ranvijay turned his head and called, “Avuuuu!”

The little boy, who had been very busy trying to fit himself inside an empty suitcase, immediately perked up. His big round eyes widened in excitement as he squealed, “Daddyyy!” and came barreling toward him at full speed.

Ranvijay crouched and caught him mid-run, lifting him effortlessly into his arms.

“My little Tiger !” he declared, raining kisses on Avu’s soft, chubby cheeks.

Avu giggled loudly, squirming in his daddy’s hold, his little hands grabbing Ranvijay’s face.

Ranvijay smirked. “Avi ko  Bali jaana hai ya yahin Dadi ke saath rehna hai?”

Avu put a finger on his lips, pretending to think hard. Then, with an exaggerated nod, he declared, “Baliiiiii!” in his cute, slightly babyish tone.

Everyone laughed at his adorable excitement.

Ranvijay turned to his Dadi, grinning. “Dekh rahi ho, Dadi? Avu pura apne Daddy pe gaya hai  ! Clear as Real !”

The driver finished loading their bags, and it was finally time to leave.

Ranvijay hugged both his Dadi and mother, whispering dramatically, “Miss me, okay?”

Pushpa ji shook her head. “Drama band kar, warna flight nikal jaayegi!”

Ranvijay placed a hand on his chest, mock-offended. “Maa, aapne flight ki itni chinta ki, par mere dil ki bilkul nahi?”

Before Pushpa ji could respond, Avu stole the moment, waving excitedly with both hands. His toothy grin stretched wide, his cheeks bouncing as he jumped in his Daddy’s lap.

“Byeee Daddiiii, Badi Daddiiii!” he squealed.

As the car rolled out of the main gate, Ranvijay leaned back, smirking.

“Where are we going, Champ?” Ranvijay asked Avu, raising a curious brow.

“Baaliiiii!” Avu squealed excitedly, his tiny body bouncing in joy as he did a little happy dance, making Ranvijay chuckle.

“And how will we get there?” Ranvijay inquired further, playing along.

“Planeeee mei jayegee... couddd mei udegaaa planeee... brdsss ke jeseeee!” Avu declared, flapping his chubby hands in the air, trying to mimic an airplane.

Ranvijay gasped, widening his eyes in fake astonishment. “Wowwwww... that’s really interesting! But what if... what if I get scared of the plane?” he asked, putting on an exaggeratedly sad face.

Avu stopped, blinked at his daddy for a second, and then, with a wise little nod, said,

“Dontttt wryyy Daddyyy... u huggg meeee ndd itssss safffeee!”

He shrugged his tiny shoulders as if he had just solved the biggest crisis of the century.

Ranvijay stared at him for a second before bursting into laughter. “Bas? Bas itna sa solution?” he teased before grabbing Avu and showering his chubby cheeks with sloppy kisses, making the little boy giggle and squirm in his arms.

Just then, Ranvijay turned to Sanyukta and smirked, noticing how she was sitting a little too quietly.

“Mummaaa kyu chup hai? Aur ye aisa muh kyu banaya hua hai?” he asked, nudging Avu, his tone laced with playful mischief.

Avu immediately turned to his mother, placing his soft palm on her cheek. “Kyaaa huaa, Mummaaa?” he asked, his little voice dripping with concern.

Sanyukta's heart melted at his innocence. She smiled softly, pressing a gentle kiss in the middle of his tiny palm. “Kuch nahi hua, baby… I’m all fine.”

Ranvijay, however, was not convinced. And teasing his wife? His favorite pastime.

He casually threw an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. But before he could even bask in his victory, Sanyukta shrugged off his hold and shifted away, turning her face towards the window.

Ranvijay bit back a smirk. Ah, the silent treatment. Interesting.

“Avuuu… Mumma angry hai Daddy se!” he whispered conspiratorially, nudging his son.

Sanyukta turned around and shot him a sharp glare. Bingo.

Avu’s brows furrowed into a tiny frown. He immediately turned to his mother, eyes filled with the purest form of concern.

“Mummaaaa... agryyyyy hooo?” he asked, his lips forming an adorable pout, as if already planning to patch up his parents.

Sanyukta sighed, shaking her head. “Nahi hu baby… Why would I get angry with your Daddy?” she said sweetly before throwing daggers at Ranvijay with her next words.

“Only he has the right to get angry at others and yell at them whenever he wants.”

Her smile at Avu was all love, but her taunt at Ranvijay was sharp enough to slice through steel.

Avu, of course, blinked at her, not understanding a single word, and simply smiled back.

Ranvijay, on the other hand, let out a dramatic sigh. “Sanyuktaaaa… yrrr, tab mujhe gussa aa gaya tha na!” he groaned, finally defending himself.

“Maine tumhe diye the Avu ke saare documents, and you lost them at the last moment!” he reminded her, reaching for her hand, but she pulled it away.

Sanyukta scoffed. “Lost? Just misplaced them! Galti se aapki files mei rakh diye the, aur vo office chale gaye… mil gaye na last mei? But noooo, you just had to get angry!”

Her voice was laced with frustration. “Subah se teen baar lad chuke hain aap mujhse!” She wiped the corner of her eyes, her voice turning softer.

“If not about Avu or the rest of the family, then I wouldn't even cross your mind.”

Avu’s eyes darted between his Mumma’s sad expression and Daddy’s guilty face. He pouted, not liking how his Mumma looked upset.

Sanyukta, noticing his reaction, immediately put on a smile for her little boy. She wasn’t about to let him get sad.

Ranvijay sighed, watching the mother-son duo. He knew this wasn’t the right moment to argue—or even try to manofy her.

For now, he had to let her cool off. And most importantly, he couldn't let Avu sense the tension.

So instead, he leaned back, determined to make this better .

After checking in at the airport, they settled into the shuttle buggy, heading towards the lounge. Avu’s curious little eyes darted everywhere, taking in the unfamiliar yet fascinating surroundings.

Everything felt like an adventure to him—the moving walkways, the towering glass walls, the uniformed staff—he absorbed it all with wide-eyed wonder, his tiny fingers pointing at anything and everything that caught his attention.

Soon, they made their way to the food court, where Avu, as expected, was on his own little mission—running around happily, giggling, and unknowingly spreading smiles to strangers who found his enthusiasm utterly adorable.

Sanyukta watched him with a fond smile, her heart swelling with love as she saw him play. Every few moments, Avu would come running back to them, stuffing small bites of food into his mouth before dashing off again—his version of a "quick pit stop."

Ranvijay, seizing the opportunity, reached for Sanyukta’s hand. She turned to him, her eyes questioning.

“I’m sorry… but I wasn’t completely wrong the first two times.” He said, his voice laced with reluctant honesty.

Sanyukta huffed, clearly unimpressed. “Then why even say sorry?”

Ranvijay sighed, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. “I’m apologizing for yelling at you about the documents... and honestly, I didn’t even ‘yell’—I was just a little frustrated.”

Sanyukta gave him a pointed look.

He held up a hand in self-defense. “Aur subah toh chhote-mote arguments hue the yaar... It’s normal for two people to have different opinions. And I never really ‘yell’ at you.” He paused, then added with a smirk, “I agree, my pitch is slightly higher compared to yours, but that doesn’t count as yelling!”

Sanyukta shook her head in disbelief, pulling her hand away. “It’s okay… Itna justify karne ki zaroorat nahi hai. I don’t even want your sorry.”

Her eyes remained fixed on Avu, who was now twirling around in excitement, his tiny shoes tapping against the floor.

Ranvijay sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Toh tum ab aise hi trip continue karne waali ho?” he asked, tilting his head.

Sanyukta raised an eyebrow. “So you want me to act all normal just because you’re taking me to Bali?”

Ranvijay let out a mock exasperated groan. “Sanyuktaaaa… acha bata, what can I do to make it better?” He asked, pulling her chair a little closer.

She still refused to look at him. “Nothing.”

“Toh agar aise hi rehna hai, toh ghar chalein?” he suggested with a smug smirk, knowing full well how she would react.

As expected, Sanyukta’s eyes snapped to him, narrowing into a glare. “Chaliye. Mujhe farak nahi padta. But you’ll be answerable to everyone when they ask why we didn’t go.” She shrugged nonchalantly.

Ranvijay nodded, playing along. “Theek hai… trip cancelled. Chal, waapis. I’ll just tell them we missed the flight.” He stood up with a casual air, waiting for her reaction.

Sanyukta glared at him. “Aapke kehne se kuch nahi hoga. You can go if you want. Mei Avu ko leke akele chali jaaungi.” She declared with a defiant tilt of her chin, making Ranvijay chuckle.

He crossed his arms, amused. “Theek hai phir… chali jao. Mei ghar ja raha hoon.” He pulled out his card and handed it to her. “I’ll text you the hotel details, cab details, and just keep this with you, Biwi ji.”

Sanyukta punched his arm, making him laugh out loud.

“Kyun pareshan kar rahe ho faltu ka? Chup-chaap baithiye yahi pe. Sab aapki marzi se nahi hoga. Samjhe aap?” she scolded, her eyes flashing, and he only chuckled in response.

“Ab dekh, tu mujhe publicly maar bhi rahi hai… Hisab barabar.” He grinned, rubbing his arm dramatically.

Sanyukta rolled her eyes. “Hisab toh Bali jaake barabar karungi.”

Ranvijay raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Acha…?” He dragged out, looking at her with curiosity.

“Aur aisa kya karengi aap, Sanyukta ji?” His tone turned teasing.

Sanyukta smirked. “Bilkul paas nahi aane dungi.”

Ranvijay leaned in, his smirk widening. “Are you sureeee?” He whispered, pinching her waist.

Sanyukta gasped, slapping his hand away while shooting daggers at him.

Before she could say anything, he suddenly held her hand, pulling her closer, making her eyes widen in shock.

“Kya kar rahe hai aap?! Hum public mein hain!” She whisper-yelled, panicking as she glanced around.

Ranvijay smirked, completely unfazed. “I’m trying to prove you wrong, Biwiiii…” His gaze dropped to her lips, making her tilt her head back in desperation to create distance.

“Ranvijayyyyyy…!” she hissed.

Before he could go any further, a tiny whirlwind came charging toward them.

“Daddyyyyyyyyyy!” Avu came rushing into his arms, saving his mother just in time.

Ranvijay immediately let go of Sanyukta, and she sighed in relief, thanking her stars.

“Pagal aadmi…” she muttered under her breath, still trying to steady her heartbeat.

Ranvijay, of course, heard her loud and clear. He chuckled, winking before adding,

“Only for you, Biwi jiiii…”

Before Sanyukta could retaliate, the announcement for their flight echoed through the speakers.

With Avu happily swinging between their hands, they finally boarded their flight, their little journey about to begin.

As the flight took off, Avu let out an excited squeal, his tiny hands clapping as he bounced in Sanyukta’s lap. His eyes were glued to the window, filled with pure wonder, watching the city lights disappear beneath them.

"Daddyyyy, hummmm  uparrrr jaa raheee hai!" he giggled, pointing outside with a mix of excitement and disbelief.

Sanyukta chuckled, tightening her hold on him while Ranvijay smirked, ruffling his soft curls.

"Haan champ, ab hum ud rahe hai!" Ranvijay said, making airplane whooshing sounds, which only made Avu giggle harder.

Throughout the flight, Avu remained glued to the window, occasionally bouncing on Sanyukta’s lap, pointing at the clouds, and gasping dramatically every time the plane tilted slightly. His energy was boundless, making even the air hostesses smile at his enthusiasm.

But by the time they boarded their connecting flight from New Delhi to Bali, exhaustion had finally won, and Avu was now sleeping soundly, curled up like a tiny koala against Sanyukta’s chest.

Ranvijay took one look at them—his wife and his little world in her arms—and his heart swelled with a strange mix of love and contentment.

That didn’t mean he was going to stop teasing her, though.

"Sooo… Sanyukta jiii… ab kya khayaal hai aapke?" Ranvijay’s voice was low and teasing as he leaned in, pinching her cheek.

Sanyukta sighed, already sensing trouble. “Aapko flight se dhakka dene ka khayaal hai.”

Ranvijay barked out a laugh, thoroughly enjoying her sass.

"Achaaa… aur agar gir ke mar gaya toh? Mere bina reh logi?" He asked, his voice playful, yet with a hint of mischief.

Sanyukta’s eyes narrowed instantly, and without missing a beat, she lightly slapped his cheek.

"Kitni baar bola hai, aisi baatein nahi karte!" she scolded, her eyes flashing with a mix of annoyance and concern.

Ranvijay only grinned, completely unbothered, and in the next second, he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss on the back of it.

"Theek hai, nahi karunga… par pehle ek smile toh de do!" he demanded, watching her expectantly.

Sanyukta gave him a "you are impossible" look, shaking her head. “Kabhi nahi sudhar sakte aap.”

“Sudharna nahi chahta, biwiiiii…” he murmured, suddenly wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pressing a warm kiss against her cheek.

Sanyukta’s lips curled up involuntarily, despite herself.

Ranvijay smirked, knowing exactly what he had done. “Hah! Caught you smiling!”

She rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore him, but he wasn’t done yet.

"Sorry, Biwiii, for spoiling your mood earlier… but sad nahi hone ka." He nudged her, his voice soft yet playful. " Main argue karta hoon toh tu bhi toh lecture deti hai na… phir sad hone ki kya zaroorat?"

Sanyukta chuckled at his completely twisted logic, and before she could respond, Ranvijay leaned in again—his tone dropping into something low and mischievous.

"Ab bata, pehnegi vo lingerie jo tune bag mein pack ki hai?"

Sanyukta’s eyes widened in pure horror as her face turned crimson.

"Ranvijay!" she hissed, looking around nervously, but he was completely unfazed.

His smirk deepened as he rested his chin on his palm, watching her like a predator who had just cornered his prey.

"I saw it yesterday, Biwi ji. Aur keh rahi thi paas nahi aane dungi…" he teased, his eyebrows wiggling suggestively.

Sanyukta whined in embarrassment, burying her flushed face in her hands.

Ranvijay chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. " Relax, Sanyukta ji… you'll get the chance to scream my name… bas itna impatient mat ho." he added, biting her nose playfully.

Sanyukta gasped, her blush deepening, and in a desperate attempt to escape his teasing, she hid her face in his neck, much to his amusement.

Ranvijay’s chest vibrated with laughter, his arms tightening around her protectively.

They had their dinner on the flight, and soon after, exhaustion took over. With Avu sleeping soundly between them, and Sanyukta finally relaxing against Ranvijay’s shoulder, they drifted off as well.

The seven-hour-long flight passed in peace, wrapped in warmth, teasing, and unspoken love.

By the time they landed in Bali, the sky was still dark, the early morning chill wrapping around them like a soft blanket.

As the plane taxied on the runway, Ranvijay stretched, yawning before whispering in Sanyukta’s ear, "Welcome to Bali, Biwiii… ab dekhte hai, kaun kis se door rehta hai."

Sanyukta sighed, knowing this was going to be a long trip.

With Avu sleeping soundly in his arms, Ranvijay held him carefully, ensuring his tiny head rested comfortably against his shoulder as he escorted Sanyukta out of the airport.

The humid Bali air wrapped around them, carrying the scent of the ocean, instantly making the journey feel real. Their cab was already waiting, the driver greeting them with a warm smile before taking their luggage.

Ranvijay slid into the car first, adjusting Avu so that his tiny body remained undisturbed in his hold. Sanyukta followed, resting her head against the seat as the cab pulled away from the airport.

The 40-minute ride was mostly quiet, except for the occasional flickering of streetlights and the distant sound of the waves. Avu stirred slightly, his small hands curling against Ranvijay’s chest, but he remained deep in sleep, trusting his father’s warmth completely.

But the moment they reached the beach resort, Sanyukta’s drowsiness vanished in an instant.

Her jaw dropped as she stepped out of the cab, eyes widening at the breathtaking view before her. The resort was nothing short of paradise—a stunning mix of white sand beaches, lush palm trees, and twinkling fairy lights that lined the wooden pathways leading to their private villa overlooking the ocean.

Her mouth parted in pure wonder, and for a moment, she simply stood there, taking it all in.

"Ranvijayyyyyyyyyyyy!" she suddenly squealed, her inner child surfacing, her feet practically bouncing in excitement.

Ranvijay, who was carefully carrying Avu inside, turned just in time to see her throw herself at him.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, getting on her toes, and without warning, planted a loud kiss on his cheek.

His deep chuckle rumbled through his chest as he steadied her, his free hand resting on her waist.

"Kitna beautiful hai yaha sab!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with happiness as she twirled around, trying to take in every little detail.

Ranvijay simply watched her, his own heart swelling at the sight of her pure joy.

Once inside, he made sure to gently remove Avu’s clothes, leaving only his tiny shorts on before tucking him into the soft, white blankets. He ran a hand through Avu’s curls, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead, making sure he was comfortable.

Meanwhile, Sanyukta was still buzzing with excitement, moving around the villa like a child in a candy store, touching everything, peeking through the curtains, and letting out small gasps of amazement.

Ranvijay leaned against the bedpost, his arms crossed, watching her with an amused smirk.

"Tumhe acha laga?" he finally asked, walking up to her and cupping her cheek.

She turned to him instantly, her eyes still twinkling.

"Achaaaa?! I LOVE it!" she grinned, her happiness so infectious that he couldn’t resist anymore.

Without another word, he pulled her in, capturing her lips in a kiss, his fingers tangling into her hair.

Sanyukta melted instantly, her hands gripping his shirt as her heart pounded.

This was what she loved the most about him, about them—the way they could bicker endlessly, but in the next moment, he would love her so effortlessly, so completely.

And in that moment, under the moonlit Bali sky, wrapped in the warmth of their love, the trip had only just begun.

Comments please 😉 😁 😁