The Forced Bride

CHAPTER 20: NOT SO EASY FRIENDSHIP...

Their laughter was interrupted by Ashwin's voice. "Hey Di, see who's here..." Everyone looked in his direction, including Avantika, who went stiff upon seeing the person standing there with a grin on his face.

"Anvay... what the f*ck?" Avantika exclaimed in shock. There stood her husband in casual clothes, his eyes fixed on her face. "Who is this, Ashwin beta? You can't just bring anyone to the NGO late at night," Mrs. Nera said hesitantly. Avantika understood her concern, considering that young girls who had gone through traumatic events stayed there. They had managed to make themselves comfortable with the male staff at the NGO, but seeing an unfamiliar man could definitely trigger them again.

"You have to meet him anyway, Nonna. After all, he'll be part of our family, right Di?" Ashwin teased with a smirk. Avantika stared blankly, realizing that Ashwin knew. She glared at Anvay, who avoided her eyes.

"He's Anvay Singh Rajawat, the famous CEO, and Avantika Di's husband too," Ashwin announced. Everyone gasped, eyes wide with disbelief.

"WHAT? NO WAY!" they exclaimed in unison. Anvay Singh Rajawat was one of the most eligible bachelors, a self-made business tycoon, and a well-known player. The idea that their Avantika was married to him was completely unpredictable and unexpected.

"That's impossible..." Lucas said, still in shock. "Is it, Didi? Is he telling the truth? Is Anvay Singh Rajawat your husband?" Naina asked Avantika, who was still glaring at Anvay.

Sighing, Avantika realized she couldn't hide it anymore. At some point, she would have to appear in front of the media, and they would see her and ask questions.

She nodded and mumbled a low yes. A moment of silence followed before everyone started pointing fingers at her. "WHAT? YOU'RE MARRIED AND WE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT?" Lucas jumped up. "ANVAY SINGH RAJAWAT IS DI'S HUSBAND? REALLY?" Naina asked in disbelief. "NO WAY! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME, Di. I THOUGHT SO MUCH ABOUT YOUR WEDDING, AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN TELL US?" Madav accused, whining.

"Guys, let the girl breathe. Stop with your blabbering," Mrs. Nera said sternly.

"But Di—" "Shut up, Rehaan. She might have her reasons. You know her, don't you?" She glared at the young lad, who nodded and fell silent.

Avantika, finally unfazed, decided to speak when everyone looked at her, indirectly asking her to explain. "Guys, it's true. We got married a few months ago. I'm really sorry I didn't tell you or even invite you. You know how they are—rich, snobbish people. I knew you would feel uncomfortable, so about the marriage..." Before she could think of another excuse, Anvay interrupted, "I told her to keep it a secret." Everyone's head snapped towards him.

He nodded curtly. "Yes. You know how the media is. We organized a small, private wedding. No one knows I'm married, but soon we'll make a public appearance as a couple." Anvay lied smoothly. Avantika narrowed her eyes at him, which he gracefully ignored. "Oh, okay," everyone nodded in understanding.

"So, what are your intentions with our Di? Are you going to hurt her?" Zen asked, narrowing his eyes at Anvay, who glanced at Avantika. She rolled her eyes. "You people talk. I'll bring the kids back for dinner. You all come inside," Mrs. Nera said. "Naina, you come with me," she asked. Naina nodded, about to follow her, when Ashwin stopped her. "Let me come too," he said softly. Her cheeks reddened, but she nodded, and they both followed Mrs. Nera.

Avantika smiled, sensing something between them. She was happy. Ashwin had done many messed-up things in the past, but he was learning from his mistakes and trying to be a better person. He was good for Naina if there was something between them. She noticed others were busy inquiring about Anvay and thought it was the best time to slip out.