"When I saw you, I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew."
The cool morning breeze filtered in the room making me pull the blankets tighter around me as I buried my face into the pillow. A soft hum danced through the air, cutting through the silence.
I groaned, cracking open my eyes as the ringing gradually increased in volume.
Slowly I sat up, glancing around me to notice that I was in the middle of the bed and Avyansh was nowhere to be found. I checked the digital clock and it read 6:00, making me furrow my eyebrows.
I leaned across the table beside the bed to pick up the phone. It read Naina.
Picking up the phone, I wondered what made her call this early.
"Good morning, Mrs. Raghuvanshi," a teasing voice filtered making me release a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"Fuck off, girl," I grumbled despite the grin gracing my face.
Her contagious laugh echoed through the speaker as I stood up, an echoing snap resonated through the room as I stretched, the joint responding audibly.
"Okay jokes aside, a hearty sorry for disturbing your beauty sleep. Vaibhav needs the number of Mr. Vivek, you remember, the corporate builder whose daughter was one of your clients last year."
I stayed silent for a moment when the name suddenly clicked in my mind.
"Oh right, I remember. Alright, I will send it to you in a couple of minutes."
"I owe you one Mansi, seriously," She replied. I don't know why but I had this gut feeling that everything wasn't as fine as it seemed.
"Hey, Naina," I interrupted suddenly, "You are okay na?" my voice came out as a whisper.
She sighed, "Vaibhav thoda stressed hai Mansi, that's why."
(Vaibhav is just a little stressed, Mansi.)
Something in her voice told that this wasn't the entire truth, but I didn't interrogate further, giving her space.
"It's okay, babe. Tu bhi jyada stress mat le, okay. Take care of both of you".
(You too don't stress too much.)
"Yes ma'am. Anything else?" She giggled.
"Not for now. Go away," I replied, making weird hand gestures even though I knew she couldn't see me.
"As you wish, Mrs. Raghuvanshi."
She hung up before I could even snark a reply. I grinned leaning against the glass door leading to the balcony.
My heart feels light, for some unknown reason, as if all the burden has been lifted.
Shaking my head, I quickly did my morning business and after a quick shower, I was ready.
Deciding to keep it simple I changed into a red flannel shirt and skinny jeans, keeping my face bare except for some sunscreen and moisturizer and leaving my hair to flow down in their natural waves.
*****
While weaving my way through the hallway, the melodious tones of the piano stopped me in my tracks.
My feet carried me toward the source of the captivating sound, almost as if an invisible force was guiding me.
The room was just next to the library, a wide-open wooden door leading me in. My eyes widened as I looked in. It was a big room, sorry, a harmonious sanctuary.
One whole side is architecture of glass stretching from floor to ceiling, allowing the soft glow of morning sunlight to flood the space. But leaving all that my eyes zeroed into the piano.
At the heart of the room sits a magnificent grand piano, awaiting the touch of an artist. The soft, neutral wall colors contrast with its elegance, creating a perfect balance.
My hands were trembling at the side, and I couldn't help but gasp in magnificence. While walking into the room, I almost stumble upon the beige rug because of the scene, or rather the people in front of me.
There sits Papa on the piano bench with Maa beside him. I froze as they both laughed, engaged in their world.
Not wanting to disturb them, I turned around at a snail's pace, tiptoeing out of the room. But I was known for my bad luck.
Suddenly a loud sneeze erupted from me, resonating through the silence. My face flushing with the amount of embarrassment I had to endure.
Just one simple task Mansi and you can't even do that without being clumsy.
"Mansi bete," Maa called out from behind me.
Come on, Mansi.
I turned around, clearing my throat awkwardly. Maa stood up, walking over to me with her effortless smile.
"Good morning beta," she wished, hugging me.
"Good morning maa, Good morning papa," I wished them both as Papa trailed over to stand behind Maa.
"Hmm...I just saw a little bird trying to sneak away without being noticed, right Isha?" Papa asked teasingly, feigning nonchalance. Maa giggled as I ducked my head down, cursing my clumsy self.
"Leave her alone Raghav," Maa said, playfully slapping his arm. She turned towards me, "Aao Mansi." She tugged me with her to sit on a side bench beside the piano bench.
(Come, Mansi.)
"Ab dekhte hi rahenge ya kuch karenge bhi," Maa tsked at Papa who was standing there with an amused smile.
(Now will you do anything rather than just staring?)
"So demanding," he said rolling his eyes playfully at her as he came over to sit down. I giggled, loving the way their love was expressed in each of their actions towards each other.
"Maa never told me that you know how to play piano Papa," I said, ecstatic to listen to real-time piano.
"I'm not even surprised beta," Papa replied shrugging.
A hush fell over as his fingers gracefully caressed the ivory keys, initiating a delicate prelude that hung in the air like soft whispers.
The initial notes resonated, creating a tapestry of sound that echoed through the room.
His fingers, adorned with quiet confidence, dancing across the keys, enveloping the room in a beautiful choreography of 'Lag Ja Gale'.
As the final notes resonated in the air, the time appeared to stand still as my soul recovered from the enthralling music.
He turned towards us, a big smile on his slightly wrinkled face.
"Mesmerizing!" Maa and I both breathed simultaneously, prompting a laugh from the three of us.
Looking at them felt like understanding true love. A love that speaks in the language of glances and touches, a silent dialogue that resonates on a profound, soulful level.
I sighed wistfully, looking at Papa's face and then picturing my husband's grumpy face as he looked at me.
As if I was an employee and not his wife.
A gentle squeeze on my hand pulled me out of my trance as I blinked at Maa.
She smiled, "You and Avyansh are happy na beta?" She gently cupped my left cheek, her concern evident in her tone. I just sat there, speechless by her motherly care and concern.
"Ha Maa, we both are very happy," I said, forcing the words out of me. My throat feeling parched out of nowhere.
She silently sat there, looking at me with an unreadable expression. Finally, she sighed glancing at Papa before nodding at me.
"May this journey of marriage bring you both countless moments of happiness," She muttered, pressing a kiss on my forehead as my eyes turned moist hearing her words. Quickly blinking them away, I mumbled a small thank you.
"And sorry for Aarav, beta. He isn't a bad person but lately, he has become a little-"
"Difficult," Papa completed the sentence while scowling. Maa sighed, shaking her head. "It's okay Maa, this is my family also na. I understand." I said reassuringly.
"And Mansi I have to tell you something important," Maa interjected suddenly just as we both were going to leave, Papa left earlier because of an urgent call.
"Ji boliye, Maa"
(Yes, please speak, mum.)
"Voh aaj tumhe bhagwan ji ke liye peasad banana hai, yaad h na?" She said as both left the room.
(You remember, you've to make prasad to offer to God?)
"Ha bilkul, Maa." I nodded.
"Now go get ready," She pushed me lightly. Laughing I went to Mr. Grumpy's room.
****
After listening to Spotify for a couple of minutes, I forced my lazy ass to finally get up and headed for the shower.
I undressed, letting them pile near my feet. As the water cascaded from the showerhead, I stood beneath the spray, letting the warm droplets envelop my body like a gentle embrace.
The lavender and cocoa-scented body wash surrounding me as I inhaled the soothing aroma.
The events from last night after the ice cream treat kept flashing before me as I closed my eyes.
Just as he laid down on the bed beside me, I moved a little more to my side and turned around.
I tried to sleep but one question lingered kin my mind preventing me to doze off. Before I could've stopped, I found myself asking, "Why did you stayed with me down there?"
I mentally face palmed myself, too embarrassed to speak further. But on hearing this, Avyansh stiffened and cleared his thought awkwardly.
"You were making too many noises, so I wasn't able to sleep," Avyansh replied with his back facing me.
"That still doesn't answer my question, Mr. Raghuvanshi," I turned around finally facing him to see him already looking in my direction.
"I didn't want Maa to see you alone and then interrogate me tomorrow, that's it. And also, you're a chaos and would have made one downstairs," Avyansh spoke and his words left me too stunned to speak.
Did he just call me a chaos? I am but that's beside the point.
"Excuse-fucking-me. First of all, I am no chaos, second of all, I did not make any noise and the last one, you're too annoying," I didn't realize the heat coming from my ears as my nostrils flared in anger.
"You know what, I don't give a flying fuck about what you say. So, sleep and let me sleep too," He grumbled looking too bored and sleepy.
"Whatever. Annoying idiot." With that sleep pulled us both in.
Coming back from yesterday, I muttered some colorful words to a certain someone before washing myself up and grabbed a towel wrapping it around me. After towel drying the hair and finishing a flash-fast skincare, I quietly opened the door.
As much as I hate to admit it, I have forgotten to bring my clothes with me. This means I now have to make a trip to the closet.
I slowly stepped out, roaming my eyes around the room. Just as I was halfway across it, the opening of the door stopped me in my tracks.
"Maa sent this for yo-" Avyansh froze as our eyes met for a millisecond before I turned around, clutching the towel around me, squeezing my eyes shut, and felt as if I would throw up.
No! NO. HOLY SHIT.
WHAT THE FUCK?!
As time ticked by and I didn't hear any movement, I cautiously turned my head to look at him.
I was surprised to see Avyansh standing there facing the wall with one hand covering his eyes and a white cloth bag in his other hand.
I could've sworn that I saw his ears tinged slightly red which looked purely adorable, that in fact was definitely an inappropriate way to portray him.
"It's my fault. I should have knocked before entering the room," he said, his voice slightly strained.
If the situation had been even slightly different, I would have died swooning at the fact that he is blushing, because of me, and has said sorry, to me.
His adonis face was graced with a blush! My subconsciousness said, going crazy.
"O-okay" I mumbled hesitantly. Clutching the towel tightly around me as I made my way to the closet, quickly sliding in and shutting the door as I leaned my head on it. Letting out a shaky sigh I moved away from it just as his voice called out.
"Maa has sent a saree for you, I'm keeping it just beside the door. You would be able to easily grab it if you roam your hand outside." His deep voice was clear as the sound of footsteps faded away with the shutting of a door.
I bit my lips and waited for a couple of seconds before crouching down and opening the door just as much as needed and shooting out my hand. I felt the rough cloth of the bag as I quickly grabbed it and closed the door.
It was a blue organza saree with white crystal borders and a white lacy blouse. Overall, it looked beautiful. A tear escaped my eyes as I ran a hand through it, thinking back to the times when I had first started wearing sarees.
How Bhai would spend hours learning how to drape sarees the night before my farewell. How I used to complain that it looked like a joker while he just smiled.
I sniffled, feeling goosebumps suddenly. Slowly, I started wearing the saree distractedly, the soft fabric gently caressing my skin.
In a few minutes, I was ready as I twirled in front of the mirror a grin automatically gracing my lips as I looked at my reflection.
Quickly leaving my hair in a braid with a few tendrils framing my face, I applied a bit of makeup which just consisted of eyeliner and lip gloss.
I pondered over the blush for a while but decided against it since my cheeks seemed to be permanently tinted with a red hue in front of someone. After wearing some minimal jewelry which obviously included payal, I left the room and headed for the kitchen.
Entering I saw Bua ji in the kitchen with a few maids. She lifted her head as I walked towards her bending down to touch her feet.
"Sada suhagan raho beti," I blushed, see I told you, as she swiped some kajal from her waterline and applied it behind my ears.
(Stay happily married always, dear.)
"Kisi ki nazar na lagye tumhe," My heart warmed seeing the family's love and care for me.
(Evil's eye off.)
I thanked her looking around to see dry fruits, milk, and flour scattered all over the place.
She must have noticed the confused look on my face as she quickly intervened, "Voh Bhabhi ne bola ki since aaj tum Prasad bana rahi ho toh me tumhari help kardu," I nodded, thanking maa internally.
(Sister-in-law said that since you're making prasad today, I should help you out.)
"What should I make bua ji?" I looked towards her, afraid of messing up.
"Kuch bhi meetha bana do," She shrugged.
(Anything sweet.)
"Kheer?" I asked.
She smiled "So, kheer it is then."
*****
An hour went away like this. With bua ji constantly on my side, helping me whenever needed, and also the maids, the kheer was finally ready to be served.
A squeal came from the entrance as we both turned around to notice Mahi standing there.
"Bhabhi, bua it smells delicious," She exclaimed, closing her eyes as she took a deep breath dramatically. I giggled seeing her childish antics.
"Sab aa gaye?" Bua ji asked.
(Everyone's here?)
"Ha bua, bas Aarav bhaiya hi nhi aaye," She whispered the last part looking down.
(Yes bua, just Aarav brother isn't here.)
It was there for a second only but there was undoubtedly pain in her eyes as she quickly turned away, asking the maids for bowls. My eyes met Mahi before she quickly replaced her sullen face with a smile.
"Mansi," Bua Ji called out. "Take this tray and let's go," I nodded, as we exited the kitchen.
Just as I came out of the kitchen, there stood Avyansh with the whole family looking too gorgeous on a Sunday morning.
Our eyes met and he stopped mid-track, the grip on his phone loosened which was on his ear as he went silent.
His gaze trailed down my figure as if taking in my saree-clad self. His eyes darkened and a new emotion whirled in his hazel eyes which was soon replaced by coldness.
"Bhai, aapke phone se awaaz aa rhi h, call pe dhyan do," Rudra 's voice chimed in giving his brother a smirk.
(Bro, there's voice coming from your phone, stay focused.)
I glared at my brother-in-law and told him to 'fuck off'. Politely.
Keeping the bowl of kheer in front of a grand statue of Maa Durga, the whole family came together and prayed, ending the puja with aarti.
All of us headed toward the dining table, sitting in our respective places.
The breakfast feast commenced as each individual eagerly savored their delicious meal. "Mansi beta can you pass the bowl to me?" Papa asked.
I nodded, noticing it in front of me. I reached over to pass the bowl to Avyansh, making our fingers brush each other. His touch sent a spark wherever he touched.
Our eyes met each other, a silent conversation between two souls, unknown to us also.
The clearing of multiple throats pulled us back as we both jerked our hands away from each other. Avyansh passed the bowl to a smirking Papa while Maa giggled beside him. Ranvijay Dada Ji also smiled before returning to his meal.
"Bhai, aap hi ho na?" Mahi asked incredulously, a wide grin on her face.
(Bhai, it's you only?)
"Bhabhi apne toh bhai ko aashiq hi bana diya?!" I blushed as everyone laughed while Mr. Grumpy glared daggers at Rudra.
(Bhabhi, you've turned our brother into a lover)
Which as usual got unnoticed by both of them as they continued singing 'love is in the air' with a horrible melody, while the elders laughed.
"I swear, I will make you regret ever opening yo-" Maa cut him off.
"Avyansh," Maa reprimanded him.
The whole breakfast continued silently. I peeked at my seething husband. He was staring off into space while holding the spoon in a tight grip making the veins in his hand look even more prominent.
I gulped feeling sorry for the poor spoon as he had to become the victim of the 'Angry Raghuvanshi'.
I would definitely not like, at all, to be in the spoon's position. I thought quickly shoving a mouthful of poha in my mouth. The rest of the breakfast passed away smoothly.
At last, it was time for Kheer. Bua ji and I served kheer to everyone. When I was serving it to Avyansh, he raised his hand stopping me.
"I don't need someone to serve me." He said in a calm voice, taking the bowl from my hand. I was left speechless by his actions but knowing him he won't even feel sorry for his actions.
"Asshole," I grumbled to myself.
I sat down and served myself. Just as I took the first bite, a groan sounded making me look up.
"Bhabhi is there anything in which you aren't perfect? The kheer tastes heavenly!" Rudra exclaimed, widening his eyes for the dramatic effect.
"Bohot achi bani hai, Mansi beta," Ranvijay dada ji said. One by one everyone complimented the kheer making me internally pat my back.
(It's very good)
Good job, Mansi.
Well, everyone except the arrogant jerk.
I even looked at him to see his expression, but he finished his kheer with an emotionless face making me sad and furious despite the compliments from everyone else.
Wait!!
Why am I craving his appreciation? It's not like he or his words have any effect on me.
For him, it's just a deal, an alliance. Why would he treat it like a marriage? Why would he ever appreciate me?
And neither do i want his compliments. He's just an arrogant asshole who thinks the world revolves around him.
Huh! I calmed my anger and looked in front.
"Mansi beta," Ranvijay dada ji called out just as everyone finished their breakfast. My head snapped hearing my name.
Though there are no strong feelings for Ranvijay dada Ji but still his presence makes me nervous or uncomfortable. Maybe because I have still not gotten over the fact that he sealed the fate of two innocent lives with a promise between two friends.
Shaking my head clear of these thoughts, I looked at him to see him looking expectantly at me. "Idhar aao beta," he said. I gulped unknowingly looking toward Avyansh just to see him staring at me. He just blinked at me, as if reassuring me.
(Come here, dear)
I have officially become delusional.
I got up as he nodded at a maid who went away before coming back with several silky cuboidal boxes. I furrowed my eyebrows, looking at Maa but she just grinned making me even more confused.
He slowly stood up and took the first box from my hands and taking my right hand he placed the golden box on it. I hesitantly grabbed it and looked at him for any sign.
"A small gift for our eldest daughter-in-law," He replied, a proud edge to his voice.
My hands shook as I opened. A huge diamond necklace rested there in all its glory. I gasped snapping my head at him, "Dada Ji, ye... diamond necklace. Bu-"
"Mera aashirvad samaj ke rakh lo," He smiled, patting my head. I bent down to touch his feet.
(Keep this as my blessing)
I stood up only to notice Maa and Papa coming towards me. Maa also took two boxes and gave them to me, giving the previous box to Mahi, who stood beside me.
I opened the identical pink boxes to see a breathtaking gold kangan in one and a gold kamarbandh with sapphire embedded in the second.
I smiled at them, touching their feet as they both blessed me. Then eventually Bua Ji came, handing me a red box.
It had a gorgeous pair of diamond jhumkas with intricate designs and a rose gold necklace. I breathed out a small thank you and touched her feet, not knowing how to thank this family for these expensive gifts.
"No words will be able to describe how grateful I am to get a family like you all as my in-laws," I whispered.
"And how grateful we are to get you," A hand came around my shoulder as I grinned at Rudra.
*****
Avyansh informed me that he has to go to the office for urgent work. Just as he was heading out, Maa called out. "Avyansh."
He turned around, fixing his watch. "Ji Maa," he asked patiently.
"Aaj Mansi ko apne sath le ja," Both of us snapped our heads at her making her scowl.
(Take Mansi with you today)
"What? Why are you both staring at me like that?" She said, placing her hands on her waist.
"Maa you know why. I won't be taking her to my office," He said, anger dripping from his voice.
"And I also have some work Maa. I don't want to go with him," I added, pointing my finger at him.
"Both.Of.You.Will.Leave.For.The.Office.Right.Now." Maa gritted out, wiggling her finger in our direction.
"But-"
"Son, take Mansi with you," Papa said sternly, coming to stand beside Maa.
I sighed, wishing I could stay here and read 'The Fault in Our Stars' for the nth time, rather than go out with him.
"Fine," he said in a deadly calm voice. I snapped up my head only to see him looking at me. But not with a smile.
No. I gulped.
Instead with a lethal expression and a deadly storm in those hazel eyes which promised my destruction.
---------------------------------------------
Here's another chapter y'all!!!!
Omg this one took time we know.
LONGEST CHAPTER THIS IS!! (3.8K words)
VOTE, COMMENT AND SHARE!
WITH LOVE,
STVRRYLIGHTT<3