Author pov...

The clock struck at 11:00 AM, but inside the dim, quiet room, time seemed to have stood still.

Vaibhav stirred as the muffled sounds of the household filtered through the door clinking tea cups and distant chatter.

For a moment, he was disoriented, his mind foggy with sleep.

But then, he felt the weight against his chest and the soft, steady rhythm of breathing.

He looked down to see Divya, her limbs tangled with his, her skin warm against his.

The realization hit him like a gentle wave they were married.

Last night wasn't a dream. They had finally become one, physically and soulfully.

Watching her sleep so peacefully,

Vaibhav felt like he was looking at a slice of heaven. How many times had he imagined this?

He had spent countless nights dreaming that one day, he’d wake up and find Divya right there in his bed, belonging to him. And today, that dream was his reality.

A small, playful smirk tugged at his lips when he realized neither of them was wearing a stitch of clothing.

He leaned in, pressing a lingering, tender kiss on her forehead.

"Divya..." he whispered softly. "Divya, wake up."

No response.

"Divya?" He tried again, shaking her shoulder gently.

Instead of waking, Divya mumbled something incoherent and tightened her grip on him, burying her face deeper into his neck. "Let me sleep, Mummy..." she groaned sleepily.

Vaibhav couldn't help it a low chuckle escaped his throat. "I’m not Mummy, jaan. I’m Vaibhav. You’re married now, remember? You’re my wife."

"Hmm..." she murmured, her eyes still tightly shut. "Fine. But let me sleep. I’m so tired."

Vaibhav smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at her exhausted face. "Okay, sleep. But at least put some clothes on, Divya."

"You do it..." she mumbled against his skin, her voice thick with sleep. "I don't have the strength to move."

Vaibhav finally managed to untangle himself from the bedsheets, careful not to disturb the peace of the woman who now held his world in her hands.

He stood up, the cool morning air hitting his skin, and immediately reached for the duvet, tucking it securely around Divya’s shoulders.

He lingered for a second, just watching her, before quickly pulling on his own clothes.

His eyes fell on her discarded kurta lying near the edge of the bed. A playful idea struck him.

He picked it up,and sat back down on the mattress.

"Divya... jaan," he whispered, his voice thick with affection.

Divya was completely dead to the world, her breathing deep and rhythmic. With practiced gentleness,

Vaibhav lifted her upper body, supporting her head against his chest.

She was like a ragdoll in his arms, her head lolling onto his shoulder as she let out a tiny, sleepy moan.

He carefully slipped the oversized kurta over her head, guiding her arms through the sleeves. It was far too big for her, the hem drowning her small frame, but to Vaibhav, she had never looked more beautiful.

He couldn't help but chuckle as he adjusted the collar around her neck. She looked like a little girl lost in her husband's clothes his clothes, on his wife.

Divya didn't even open her eyes. As soon as he laid her back down, she curled into a ball and drifted right back into a deep slumber.

Vaibhav stood there, hands on his hips, a helpless smile plastered on his face.

He felt a fresh wave of love hit him a quiet, powerful realization that this was his life now. This woman was his responsibility, his partner, his everything.

Giving her one last lingering look, he finally grabbed his towel and headed toward the bathroom to freshen up, his heart feeling lighter than it ever had before.

Fresh from the shower, smelling of sandalwood and soap, Vaibhav stepped back into the room.

He quickly changed into a crisp white kurta-pajama, looking every bit the newlywed groom.

He cast one last lingering glance at Divya still a chaotic mess of his oversized kurta and soft blankets before quietly slipping out of the room.

As he reached the hallway, he was met with a mischievous grin.

His cousin, Aryan, was leaning against the wall, checking his watch pointedly.

"Waking up a bit late today, aren't we, Bhaiya?" Aryan teased, his eyebrows dancing. "The sun is practically at its peak!"

Vaibhav stiffened, trying to keep a straight face. "Shut up, Aryan. It’s a long day ahead."

"Oh, I bet it was a long night too," Aryan winked, stepping closer to nudge Vaibhav’s shoulder. "I was telling Chachi that we should probably check if you’re still alive, but she said, 'Let the poor boy rest, he’s worked hard to get married.' What exactly were you 'working' on so late, Bhaiya?"

Vaibhav felt the heat creep up his neck, turning his ears a bright shade of crimson. "Keep your voice down! Everyone is downstairs."

"Exactly!" Aryan laughed, delighted to see his stoic brother blushing like a teenager. "The whole neighborhood is downstairs for the Katha, and here you are, glowing like a tube light. Honestly, seeing you this whipped is the best entertainment I've had all year."

Vaibhav tried to push past him, but Aryan blocked his path for one last jab. "By the way... nice glow, Bhaiya. Whatever Divya Bhabhi is doing, tell her to keep it up. You actually look happy for once!"

Vaibhav let out a frustrated huff, though a small, involuntary smile tugged at his lips. "Go eat your breakfast, Aryan, before I tell Maa to start looking for a bride for you next."

He tried to walk past, but his mother, Malini, caught him near the stairs.

"Vaibhav? Where are you going in such a hurry?" she asked, adjusting the pallu of her saree.

"Uh, Maa... I was just going to fetch Divya’s clothes from her house. She doesn't have anything of hers in the room yet," Vaibhav explained, looking everywhere but at his mother's knowing eyes.

Malini chuckled softly. "Rahul already brought her bags over last night, beta. I would have given them to you then, but you two had already locked yourselves in the room. I didn't want to disturb you."

The blush on Vaibhav's face deepened. "Oh... okay. I'll take the bag then."

As he picked up the suitcase, Malini called out, "And beta? Wake Divya up. The Satyanarayan Katha is about to start.the Pandit ji will be here any minute. Tell her to wear a nice saree and get ready quickly."

"Ha, Maa," Vaibhav replied, making a quick escape back to the safety of his bedroom.

He entered and shut the door, the silence of the room contrasting with the bustle outside.

He looked at the bed, where Divya was still curled up, looking like an innocent angel.

The way her hair was scattered across his pillow and the peaceful expression on her face made his heart melt.

He stood there, frozen with the heavy suitcase in his hand, a frustrated but fond sigh escaping him.

“How am I supposed to wake her up?” he thought to myself. “She looks so peaceful... I don't have the heart to break her sleep, but Maa is waiting.”

Just then, Divya’s phone rang Rani was calling. Vaibhav glanced at the screen and picked it up.

“Divya, did you wake up or not?” Rani asked immediately.

“Aunty, it’s me… Vaibhav,” he replied politely.

“Oh, Vaibhav beta, good morning. You’re awake?” she softened for a moment.

“Yes, aunty.”

“And Divya? Is she up yet?”

“I was just about to wake her.”

Rani’s patience snapped. “Vaibhav, give her the phone or put it on speaker. I’m getting up right now.”

Vaibhav quietly switched to the speaker.

“DIVYA!” Rani’s voice thundered through the room. “You’re in your in-laws’ house now! There’s a pooja about to start at home and you’re still sleeping?”

Vaibhav couldn’t help but laugh.

On the bed, Divya stirred, still trapped in sleep, mumbling groggily, “Mumma… I’m waking up… just five more minutes…”

“No five minutes! Get up right now!” Rani scolded. “Vaibhav beta is already awake and you’re still sleeping? Get up immediately!”

Half-asleep and annoyed, Divya cut the call and buried her face deeper into the pillow. “Vaibhav… just five minutes,” she pleaded softly.

“Okay,” he said, smiling to himself. “I’ll take out your saree.”

He opened her bag, carefully pulled out a saree, and laid out all her things neatly.

But when she still didn’t wake up…

He walked over to her.

Vaibhav leaned down, his lips ghosting over the sensitive shell of her ear.

His voice dropped into a low, gravelly vibration that sent a shiver straight down Divya’s spine.

"Still hiding under the covers, jaan?" he murmured, his hand sliding under the duvet to find the small of her back. "If you don't wake up in the next ten seconds, I’m going to assume you liked what we did last night so much that you’re begging for round two."

Divya’s breath hitched, her eyes still squeezed shut, but her cheeks were already turning a deep rose pink.

"Vaibhav... stop it," she whispered, her voice honey-thick with sleep.

"Stop what?" He nipped playfully at her earlobe, his smirk widening when he felt her shudder against him. "Reminding you how beautiful you sounded when you were calling my name at 3:00 AM? Or reminding you that right now, under this duvet, you’re wearing my kurta... and absolutely nothing else?"

He let his fingers trail slowly up her ribcage, just barely grazing the side of her breast. "I have half a mind to lock this door and tell Maa that the 'Satyanarayan Katha' will have to wait because my wife is being far too tempting."

Divya finally opened her eyes, wide and breathless, meeting his hooded, dark gaze. "You’re shameless," she gasped, trying to pull the duvet higher.

"I’m your husband," he corrected, his thumb tracing her lower lip, pulling it down just enough to see the pearl-white of her teeth. "Being shameless is in my job description now. Especially when you look like this messy hair, swollen lips, and wearing my clothes."

He leaned in even closer, his forehead resting against hers, his voice a dangerous, velvet promise. "Now, get up and get into that saree. Because if I have to help you out of this kurta, I can’t guarantee you’ll ever make it downstairs for the puja."

As soon as those words left Vaibhav’s lips, Divya’s sleep vanished. Her eyes snapped wide open, and without a second's delay, she scrambled out of the bed, her face burning with a deep, crimson blush.

She practically bolted toward the washroom, tripping slightly in her haste, while Vaibhav’s rich laughter echoed behind her, filling the room.

A little while later, the sound of the shower died down. Divya stepped back into the bedroom, wrapped tightly in a soft towel.

Droplets of water still clung to her shoulders, and her damp hair was gathered up, leaving her neck bare.

Vaibhav was standing in front of the mirror, casually styling his hair. As the door creaked, he turned around.

His movements stopped instantly. His gaze darkened as he let his eyes travel slowly from her wet hair, down to her trembling shoulders, and all the way to her bare feet.

Divya felt the heat of his stare like a physical touch. Shyness washed over her in waves, and she looked down, unable to meet his eyes.

"You... you haven't gone outside yet?" she asked, her voice small and shaky.

Vaibhav didn't look away. He took a step closer, his voice dropping into a gentle, intimate hum. "Maa is waiting for both of us outside, Divya. I thought I’d wait and go down together with you."

Divya’s heart hammered against her ribs. She gripped the edges of her towel tightly, pulling it closer to her body as if to shield herself from his intense gaze.

"Okay..." she mumbled, her breath hitching. "But please, go outside for a bit. I need to put on my saree."

Vaibhav lingered for a moment, a playful, lingering smirk playing on his lips, clearly enjoying how much his presence was affecting his new bride.

A playful smirk tugged at Vaibhav’s lips. He didn't move an inch; instead, he leaned back slightly, enjoying the way she was trembling with shyness.

"Why?" he asked, his voice dropping into a teasing, husky drawl. "It’s not like I haven’t seen everything already. I know every inch of you, so what’s the problem with changing your saree in front of me now?"

Divya’s breath caught in her throat. Her face turned a shade of crimson so deep it put her bridal henna to shame. She felt exposed even under the towel, his gaze acting like a warm flame against her damp skin.

"No... please, just go!" she pleaded, her voice barely a whisper as she gripped the towel even tighter. "I... I’m feeling too shy. Please, Vaibhav."

Vaibhav let out a rich, triumphant laugh. He loved how easily he could fluster her, but he also didn't want to make her truly uncomfortable.

"Okay, okay... I’m going," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender as he backed toward the door.

He paused at the threshold, giving her one last wink. "But hurry up and get ready. Maa is waiting, and if you take too long, I’ll have no choice but to come back in and 'help' you myself."

Before Divya could throw a pillow at him, he slipped out of the room, still chuckling to himself, leaving a very flustered and blushing Divya alone to get dressed.

Vaibhav walked into the living room, where Rani, Devnath, and Dadi had already arrived. He immediately moved forward to touch their feet in respect.

"Arey beta, you are a son-in-law now. You shouldn't touch our feet," Rani said, trying to stop him.

Vaibhav looked up with a warm smile. "No, Aunty. I’m your son now, not just a son-in-law."

Rani chuckled, her heart melting. "You call yourself a son, yet you still call me 'Aunty' and not 'Mummy'?"

Vaibhav’s smile widened. "Ji... Mummy," he corrected himself softly. He then moved to Devnath. Even though Devnath tried to stop him too, Vaibhav touched his feet. Devnath placed a blessing hand on his head with pride.

Dadi chimed in with a laugh, "Well, my grandson-in-law is just like my own grandson! I’m going to pamper him anyway." Everyone laughed at Dadi’s spirited comment.

"Where is Rahul?" Vaibhav asked, looking around.

"Beta, Deeksha sprained her ankle badly, So he went to the hospital today morning to see her" Rani explained. "He was very worried."

Nearby, Deepak, who had just arrived, heard this. A strange flicker of jealousy flashed in his eyes. He didn't know why, but hearing that Rahul was at the hospital with Deeksha made him feel unsettled.

Vaibhav noticed Deepak standing there. "Deepak! Didn't Aunty come with you?"

"No, Bhaiya, she had to go to work," Deepak replied shortly.

"No worries. Come on, the puja is about to begin," Vaibhav said.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Ishani entered the bedroom. Divya was struggling with her saree, and the moment she heard the door open, she assumed it was Vaibhav coming back to tease her again.

She turned to bolt toward the washroom, but Ishani’s voice stopped her.

"Divya? You’re still not ready? The Pandit ji is here! Rani Aunty, Uncle, and Dadi have all arrived," Ishani said urgently.

Divya froze, her eyes widening in shock. "What? Everyone is here? My mother is definitely going to scold me today, even if Malini Maa stays quiet!"

Ishani laughed. "That’s for sure! Sometimes I feel like my mother loves you more than me."

Divya gave a cheeky smile. "Just wait and watch. I’m going to charm Malini Maa so much with my love that she’ll forget you and your brother both!"

Ishani giggled, shaking her head. "Yes, yes, do your magic later. First, let’s get you to the puja!"

"Wait, help me with these saree pleats first," Divya requested.

Ishani skillfully tucked and draped the red saree. In the vibrant red silk, Divya looked breathtaking. She finished her look by doing her hair and applying a bright streak of sindoor in her parting.

Looking at her reflection, Divya turned to Ishani. "How do I look?"

"Absolutely stunning," Ishani replied sincerely.

Divya smiled at herself in the mirror, feeling like a true bride. "Okay, let’s go."

As Divya and Ishani stepped out into the living room, all eyes turned toward them.

A soft murmur of admiration went through the room in her vibrant red saree and fresh sindoor, Divya looked like the perfect personification of a new bride.

Divya walked in with a nervous but beautiful smile, her eyes searching the room. However, that smile faltered slightly when her gaze landed on her mother.

Rani was sitting there, her arms crossed, giving Divya a pointed, "I’ll-talk-to-you-later" glare for being so late.

Divya quickly widened her smile, trying to act extra innocent and sweet to melt her mother’s anger.

Vaibhav was already seated on the floor in front of the ritual fire, looking handsome and composed.

As Divya approached, he looked up, and for a second, he completely forgot to breathe.

The red of her saree against her glowing skin made him feel a sudden rush of pride this beautiful woman was his.

Divya quietly sat down beside him. The heat from the small fire (Havan) and the proximity of her husband made her heart flutter.

The Pandit ji began the rituals, the air filling with the fragrant smoke of incense and the rhythmic chanting of Sanskrit mantras.

As the Satyanarayan Katha began, the house fell into a respectful silence, with only the priest’s voice narrating the sacred stories.

Vaibhav’s mind was anywhere but in the prayers. He sat through the Satyanarayan Katha out of duty, but his eyes kept drifting toward Divya.

He didn't care about the stories or the rituals all he wanted was to pull her into his arms and hold her close, shielding them both from the rest of the world.

Divya, however, was a picture of devotion. She listened to every word of the priest with rapt attention, occasionally nudging Vaibhav with her elbow whenever she caught him staring at her too intensely.

Eventually, the ceremony concluded.

The Pandit ji distributed the prasad, and the house filled with the chatter of guests.

Deepak took his portion of the sweets, but his mind was restless.

He quickly made an excuse and headed toward the hospital.

When Deepak arrived at the hospital, he stopped dead in his tracks.

Through the glass of the cabin, he saw Deeksha and Rahul. They were lost in conversation, laughing heartily at something Rahul had said.

A sharp pang of jealousy shot through Deepak's chest. Seeing them so close seeing Deeksha look at Rahul with such ease and warmth made his blood boil.

“She’s always fighting with me,” Deepak thought bitterly, his fists clenching at his sides. “She finds a reason to argue over every little thing when we're together. But with him? She’s talking so lovingly, laughing like there’s no worry in the world. Why him and not me?”

He was so caught up in his dark thoughts that he didn’t hear the footsteps behind him.

"Deepak? What are you doing standing out here? Come inside," Abhay said, clapping a hand on his shoulder.

Deepak startled, quickly masking his anger with a forced, tight smile.

"Nothing, just arrived," he lied. He nodded at Abhay and followed him into the room, but his eyes remained fixed on Deeksha, the jealousy still simmering just beneath the surface.

As they entered the room, Deeksha and Rahul looked up and smiled at Abhay and Deepak.

The lighthearted atmosphere between them was still lingering in the air, which only made

Deepak feel more like an outsider.

"How is your foot now, Deeksha? Any better?" Abhay asked with concern.

"Hmm, much better now, Bhaiya,"

Deeksha replied softly.

"Should we head home then?" Abhay said

"Yes, Bhaiya, let’s go," she said, preparing to move.

As she tried to get up from the hospital bed, Rahul immediately reached out.

He didn't wait for her to struggle; he firmly yet gently took her hand and supported her, helping her off the bed. Deepak stood there, frozen, watching the scene unfold with a heavy heart.

Even Abhay noticed the level of care and devotion in Rahul’s eyes. It was obvious to everyone just how much Deeksha mattered to him.

Rahul kept his arm around her shoulder, guiding her steps carefully as they walked out of the room.

Abhay and Deepak followed silently behind them like shadows.

When they reached the car, Rahul opened the front passenger door and carefully helped her slide into the seat.

He leaned in, his voice filled with genuine worry."Take care of your foot, okay? And don't you dare step out of the house for a few days. It'll heal only if you give it rest."

Deeksha looked at his worried face and gave a small, comforting smile. "I will, Rahul. Don't be so stressed."

"How can I not be stressed?" Rahul countered, his tone serious but tender. "I know you. You’ll be careless the moment I'm not looking, and you'll hurt yourself again."

Deepak watched them from the curb, the intimacy of their conversation feeling like a sharp twist of a knife in his chest.

Abhay noticed the worry etched on Rahul’s face and stepped in with a reassuring smile. "Don't stress so much, Rahul. I’m here, I’ll take care of her."

Rahul sighed, finally relaxing his shoulders. "I know, Bhaiya. It’s just... you know how she is. She can’t sit still for five minutes."

Abhay climbed into the driver’s seat. "Ready to go, Deeksha?"

"Yes, Bhaiya," she replied. As the car started, Deeksha waved a cheerful goodbye to both Rahul and Deepak.

Rahul waved back with a wide, supportive grin the kind only a best friend can give.

But Deepak remained stiff, his hands shoved in his pockets, his gaze cold.

Even as they pulled away, Deeksha kept looking back at Rahul, grateful for the who always stood by her like a rock.

Rahul and Deepak stood on the curb, watching the car disappear.

"Let’s head back to the house?" Rahul suggested.

Deepak shook his head, his voice tight. "No, I'm going home. Mom has some work for me."

"Alright then. See you later," Rahul said easily. Deepak just gave a curt "Hmm" and walked off in the opposite direction.

Rahul hopped on his bike and headed back to Vaibhav’s home. As soon as he walked in, Ishani spotted him and hurried over.

"How is she? Is Deeksha okay?" she asked, her voice full of concern.

"She’s fine, Ishani. Just a sprain. She’ll be back to her annoying self in no time," Rahul joked, leaning against the wall.

"Good. Now come and eat something," Ishani said, pulling him toward the dining area. "Divya made a sweet dish for her Pehli Rasoi. You have to try it."

"Oh ho! So my sweet sister has finally stepped into the kitchen?" Rahul teased as he walked in.

"Hmm,," Ishani said.

Divya’s eyes immediately went to Rahul. "And where were you? We've been waiting forever," she asked, crossing her arms.

"Arey, it was nothing. Deeksha sprained her foot, so I just went to check on her," Rahul replied casually, pulling out a chair.

"Ohh," Divya nodded.

Malini smiled, placing a plate in front of him. "Rahul beta, sit down and eat. Divya has made Suji ka Halwa in pehli rasoi today."

Rahul took a big spoon of the halwa, chewing slowly while everyone watched him.

Divya leaned forward, "How is it?"

"Honestly? It’s terrible," Rahul said with a straight face.

"It’s amazing, Divya! Don't listen to him," Vaibhav cut in immediately, his voice full of support.

The whole table erupted into laughter at Vaibhav’s instant reaction. "Okay everyone, listen up!" someone shouted through the giggles. "From now on, nobody and I mean nobody is allowed to say a single word against Divya bhabhi in front of Vaibhav Bhaiya."

"Seriously, he is totally whipped for his wife!"

The room was filled with teasing whistles and laughter. Vaibhav and

Divya looked at each other, both turning a deep shade of crimson as they blushed.

Even though Vaibhav was sitting with everyone, his eyes kept wandering back to Divya. No matter who was talking, his gaze remained fixed on her.

In his mind, he just wanted to pull her away from the crowd to a place where it was just the two of them, away from the world.

Slowly, the living room began to clear out. Devnath, Rani Dadi, and Rahul eventually headed back to their own homes.

Ishani and Malini got busy with the household chores, insisting that Divya shouldn't lift a finger.

Vaibhav watched like a hawk, waiting for the perfect moment.

The second the coast was clear, he reached out and grabbed Divya’s hand. Before she could react, he was pulling her toward their bedroom.

"Vaibhav! What are you doing? Someone will see us!" Divya whispered, her voice a mix of shock and confusion.

Vaibhav didn’t say a word. He stepped inside, shut the door firmly behind them, and turned to her.

Before she could utter another protest, he pulled her into a fierce, hungry kiss. His tongue explored every inch of her mouth, drowning out her words.

A soft moan escaped Divya’s lips, muffled against his mouth as she felt the intensity of his desire.

His hands moved with a mind of their own, reaching for the hooks of her blouse.

"Vaibhav... please," she gasped, trying to find her breath. "Everyone is home... someone might come."

But Vaibhav was beyond listening. He made quick work of her blouse, his lips trailing down to her neck.

He bit down softly, marking her, before licking and sucking the sensitive skin.

His hands moved to her breasts, squeezing them firmly as he felt her resolve crumbling.

Divya tried to hold back, but under the heat of his touch and the rhythm of his hands, she found it impossible to control herself any longer.

Vaibhav was beyond the point of stopping. His fingers worked deftly, unhooking her bra and tossing it aside.

He leaned down, his mouth finding the peak of her breast, taking it in for a deep, hungry suck. Divya’s mind went blank.

Lost in the haze of pleasure, she tangled her fingers into his hair, pulling him closer and guiding him against her chest.

He moved from one side to the other, marking her skin with soft bites and rhythmic suction.

Knock. Knock.

The sudden sound at the door shattered the silence. "Bhaiya?" It was Ishani’s voice from the hallway. "Bhaiya, college professors is here to congratulate you! Please come out with Divya Bhabhi."

Vaibhav didn't even flinch. He stayed buried against her, his focus entirely on the warmth of her skin.

"Vaibhav... stop," Divya gasped, trying to push his shoulders back. "Ishani is calling. Someone is here. Vaibhav, are you listening?"

Finally, he pulled back, letting out a frustrated groan. He ran a hand through his messy hair, trying to compose his voice. "We’re coming, Ishani!" he called out.

"Okay!" Ishani replied, her footsteps fading away as she headed back to the lounge.

Divya immediately began fumbling with her blouse, her hands shaking slightly. "You've gone completely mad," she whispered, a small, breathless laugh escaping her lips.

But when she looked up, she saw the raw desire still burning in his eyes.

"If it were up to me," Vaibhav said, his voice was husky and low, "I would never let you leave this room."

A shiver ran down Divya’s spine at his possessive tone.

She couldn't even find the words to respond. Before she could move, Vaibhav caught her again, pulling her in for one last searing kiss.

He sucked on her upper lip, then the lower, his hand giving her breast one final, firm squeeze.

He pulled away just an inch, looking at her intensely. "I can’t control myself around you, Divya," he muttered, quickly straightening his kurta-pajama to head out.

"Vaibhav, wait!" Divya caught his arm, pointing at his face. "There’s lipstick on your lips."

She stepped close, her thumb gently wiping the smudge from the corner of his mouth. "There. Now go. I'll join you in a minute."

"Hmm," Vaibhav nodded, taking one last look at her before turning toward the door.

Vaibhav arrived first. His college colleagues gathered around him with warm smiles and handshakes, offering their congratulations.

A few moments later, Divya walked in, and the same cheerful voices turned toward her, surrounding her with kind wishes and teasing laughter.

Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the Thakur household, a very different scene was unfolding.

Deepak’s mother, Rajni, was gently massaging Deeksha’s sprained foot, her hands careful and tender where the bruise had darkened the skin.

Deeksha kept insisting softly, almost uncomfortably, “Aunty, please don’t… someone else will do it.”

Rajni looked up at her with deep affection. “Why shouldn’t I? I am like your mother too.”

Those simple words broke something inside Deeksha.

Her eyes filled instantly, tears slipping down before she could stop them not from pain, but from a warmth she had rarely felt.

Just then, the door burst open.

Deeksha’s mother stormed in, her face burning with anger. She grabbed

Rajni harshly by the shoulder and snapped, her voice dripping with contempt, “She is not your daughter. You'r just a servant. Understand that.”

The room froze.

Deeksha’s tears dried instantly, replaced by a surge of rage.

She turned toward her mother, her voice shaking but loud enough to cut through the air.“First learn how to be a mother! You were never one to me. You were too busy worshipping my father, drinking, roaming around without a care. You should be ashamed.”

Rajni stood there, trembling, terrified by the explosion of emotions between them. “Deeksha, stop, beta… she is your mother,” she pleaded gently.

But Deeksha’s mother spun toward Rajni, eyes blazing. “You keep quiet, servant! She is my daughter. How dare you come between us?”

Her hand rose in fury, ready to strike Rajni across the face.

Before it could land, Deeksha stepped forward.

The slap meant for Rajni struck Deeksha instead.

The sound echoed through the room  sharp, final, and filled with years of unspoken pain.

As the slap landed, Deeksha slowly lifted her face, her cheek burning, her eyes blazing with a pain far deeper than the sting on her skin. She stared at her mother not with fear, but with disbelief.

“You cannot be my mother,” she said, her voice trembling with fury and heartbreak. “A mother is not this selfish. You never belonged to anyone  not to Nana, not to me, the people who loved you endlessly… You only belonged to that man  the one who abandoned both of us on the streets and walked away.”

Her words struck harder than any slap.

For a moment, her mother stood stunned then rage took over. She raised her hand again and this time slapped Deeksha across the face with full force.

“You’ve started talking too much these days,” she hissed. “Don’t forget I gave birth to you.”

Deeksha let out a hollow, broken laugh, tears spilling freely now.

“You don’t need to remind me,” she said quietly. “I will never forget that you are my mother.”

There was no accusation left in her voice anymore  only exhaustion… and a lifetime of hurt.

She turned and walked away.

Rajni hurried after her, panicking in her steps. “Deeksha, beta… stop! Where are you going? Please listen to me!”

But Deeksha didn’t stop.

Every step sent sharp pain shooting through her injured foot, yet she kept moving as if the physical pain was nothing compared to what she felt inside.

Reaching her car, she slid into the driver’s seat, hands shaking, vision blurred with tears and anger.

Within seconds, the engine roared to life.

And before anyone could stop her, she drove away carrying her fury, her heartbreak, and her loneliness into the night.

Rajni hurried to Abhay’s room, her face pale with worry. “Abhay, beta… Deeksha took the car and left. I don’t know where she went.”

Abhay straightened instantly, alarm flashing across his face. “Where did she go, Aunty?”

Rajni told him everything the argument, the slap, the way Deeksha had stormed out despite the pain in her foot.

Without another word, Abhay grabbed his phone and rushed out.

He kept calling her again and again, his hands trembling with fear, but she didn’t answer.

He drove through familiar roads, checking every place he thought she might go, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

She was nowhere.

An hour later, just when panic had begun to choke him, her call finally connected.

“Deeksha! Baccha, where are you?” he asked urgently, relief and fear colliding in his voice.

On the other end came a faint, slurred voice, heavy and unsteady.“Rahul… come here… I’m missing you…”

Abhay’s heart dropped. He could tell instantly she was drunk.

His grip on the phone tightened. “Deeksha, where are you? Tell me about the place.”

“No… I want Rahul,” she mumbled stubbornly.

Abhay closed his eyes for a second, forcing himself to stay calm. “Okay… tell me where you are. I’ll bring Rahul with me.”

Her tone changed immediately, almost childlike with relief. She told him the name of the club.

Abhay kept her talking the entire way, his voice steady despite the storm inside him, terrified that if he stayed silent, something might happen to her before he reached.

Finally, he pulled up outside the club, his heart pounding as he stepped out into the flashing lights and deafening music praying he wasn’t too late.

Abhay pushed his way through the crowd, his eyes scanning the dim, flashing lights until they finally found her.

Deeksha was sitting alone on a high stool at the bar, a glass clutched loosely in her hand, staring at nothing as if the world around her didn’t exist.

She kept drinking, her movements slow and careless, her pain drowning in the burn of alcohol.

Relief and dread crashed together inside him as he walked up to her.

“Deeksha… come on, let’s go home,” he said gently.

She lifted her head with effort, her unfocused eyes searching his face then drifting past him, scanning the crowd behind him.

“Where is Rahul?” she asked, her voice thick and unsteady.

Abhay’s chest tightened. “Rahul didn’t come. I’m here. Now come with me.”

Her expression hardened instantly, a stubborn sadness settling in her eyes. She pulled her hand away from him.

“I’m not going,” she said, almost like a hurt child refusing to move.

Abhay tried everything.

He pleaded, reasoned, even raised his voice a little but Deeksha refused to move from the stool, clutching the edge of the counter like it was the only thing keeping her from falling apart.

“I’m not going anywhere… Rahul will come,” she kept mumbling stubbornly, her eyes scanning the entrance again and again as if she truly believed he would walk in any second.

“Deeksha, please… this isn’t safe. Let’s go home,” Abhay said, his patience thinning, worried carving sharp lines across his face.

“No!” she snapped weakly, pulling her arm away. “I want Rahul… only Rahul.”

Her voice cracked on his name, and Abhay felt something twist painfully inside his chest.

For a moment he stood there, helpless, watching her break in front of him.

Then he took a slow breath and made a decision.

“Okay,” he said softly. “Fine. Come… Rahul is calling you.”

Deeksha froze.

Her head snapped toward him, eyes suddenly bright with hope, like a child who had just heard the one thing she wanted most.

“Where… where is he? Rahul is waiting for me?” she asked, her voice trembling with excitement.

Abhay forced a small smile. “At home. He’s really worried about you. He’s waiting.”

Her face lit up instantly, pain forgotten, replaced by pure relief.

“Really? He’s waiting for me?” she said, almost laughing through her tears. “Then let’s go… we shouldn’t make him wait.”

She slid off the stool, swaying slightly, and reached for Abhay’s hand without even realizing it.

Abhay held her carefully, his heart

heavy with guilt and concern as he guided her out of the club.

Abhay carefully settled Deeksha into the passenger seat, making sure her injured foot was placed gently inside.

She leaned back against the seat, eyes half-closed, a faint, relieved smile still on her lips.

“Rahul…” she whispered softly, as if

just saying his name was enough to soothe her aching heart.

Abhay closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side, his jaw tight, his mind heavy with thoughts.

For a moment, he just sat there, hands gripping the steering wheel, staring into the darkness ahead.

Maybe if she sees Rahul once… maybe then she’ll stop insisting… maybe she’ll calm down, he thought.

He started the car.

The engine hummed to life, breaking the silence of the late night as the city lights slid across the windshield.

The roads were nearly empty, the world outside quiet and distant so different from the storm raging inside the car.

Deeksha turned her face toward the window, watching the passing lights blur into long streaks.

“He was missing me too… right?” she asked in a small, fragile voice.

Abhay’s grip on the wheel tightened. “Yeah… he was worried about you,” he replied quietly.

A soft, content smile appeared on her face, as if those words were all she needed to hold herself together.

Abhay glanced at her for a second at the tear tracks on her cheeks, the exhaustion, the blind trust and felt a sharp pang of guilt pierce through him.

The car finally stopped outside Rahul’s house.

Before Abhay could even turn off the engine, Deeksha looked up and recognized the place.

Her face lit up instantly, eyes sparkling with sudden excitement.

“Rahul’s house…” she breathed, happiness flooding her voice.

She hurriedly pushed the door open and tried to step out.

“Deeksha, wait!” Abhay said quickly, getting out from his side. “You’ll hurt yourself  your foot—”

But she didn’t listen.

Driven by desperation and hope, she stumbled forward, barely steady on her feet.

At that very moment, the front door of the neighboring house opened, and Ishani stepped out.

She froze when she saw Abhay standing there.

Abhay? Here? Fear flickered across her face.

She was about to say something when her eyes fell on Deeksha swaying, pale, clearly not in her senses.

Instant tension gripped her.

She rushed straight toward them. “Deeksha! What happened to her?” she asked anxiously.

Abhay looked at Ishani and gave a tired, helpless smile. “She drank… a lot.”

Ishani’s eyes widened in shock.“What?”

Abhay nodded. “And she kept insisting on meeting Rahul. She wouldn’t listen to anything else.”

Ishani looked at Deeksha again, concern deepening as she noticed how fragile she seemed, how her steps faltered.

“You should’ve taken her home, Abhay. She’s not okay,” Ishani said, her voice filled with worry.

“I tried,” he replied quietly. “I told her so many times… but she was stubborn. In the end, I had no choice but to bring her here.”

Ishani looked around nervously, her voice dropping to a hurried whisper.

“How will you take her to Rahul like this? He has many guests at his house… and there are guests at my house too. If anyone sees her in this condition, they’ll start talking nonsense.”

Abhay’s heart sank. The last thing he wanted was for Deeksha to be humiliated. But the thought that she might not meet Rahul after all tightened the panic inside him.

“Then… what should we do?” he asked, his voice strained.

“Take her home,” Ishani said firmly.

“No!” Deeksha protested immediately, shaking her head, her hair falling across her tear-stained face. “I want Rahul… I have to meet Rahul…”

“Deeksha, quiet!” Ishani whispered urgently. “Everyone will hear you. If they see you like this—”

Deeksha instantly pressed a finger to her lips, nodding seriously like an obedient child.

“Okay… I’ll be quiet,” she said in a hushed voice. “But I have something very important to tell Rahul.”

Ishani exchanged a confused glance with Abhay. “What is it?”

Deeksha leaned closer, her eyes wide with drunken sincerity. “It’s a very big thing… a secret.”

“What kind of secret?” Ishani asked cautiously.

Deeksha beckoned her closer. “Come… I’ll tell you in your ear.”

Ishani bent slightly toward her.

And then, in a voice far louder than a whisper, Deeksha blurted out“I want to tell Rahul that I love him very, very much!”

Her words rang through the quiet night.

Abhay froze. Ishani’s eyes widened in shock. Even a few people passing by turned their heads at the sudden confession.

Ishani quickly placed her hand over Deeksha’s mouth, panic flashing across her face.

“Shhh… speak softly! Everyone is listening,” she whispered urgently, glancing around at the curious eyes turning toward them.

Deeksha nodded obediently and leaned closer, her voice dropping to a fragile murmur.

“I… love Rahul,” she said quietly, her eyes shining with helpless sincerity. “I have to tell him.”

Ishani’s expression softened for a moment, but worry still lingered in her eyes. She gently held Deeksha’s shoulders.

“Okay… you can tell him,” she said calmly. “But not now. Tell him tomorrow, alright? If you go like this, in this condition, people will say all kinds of things about you.”

Deeksha frowned slightly, trying hard to process her words through the haze in her mind.

“Tomorrow…?” she repeated slowly.

“Yes. Come tomorrow and tell him properly,” Ishani said, her voice reassuring, almost protective.

Deeksha stayed silent for a few seconds, thinking with surprising seriousness then finally nodded.

“Okay… I’ll come tomorrow,” she said softly. “I’ll tell Rahul tomorrow.”

As if the decision drained the last of her strength, she quietly walked back and sank into the car seat.

Abhay and Ishani exchanged a look of pure relief, both exhaling at the same time, as though a heavy weight had just lifted off their chests.

“Please… take her from here,” Ishani said in a low voice.

Abhay nodded. “Hmm.”

He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on her. “Ishani… we need to talk too. You know that, right?”

Ishani didn’t reply.

Her face turned distant, guarded, as if walls had risen instantly around her emotions.

Without another word, she turned and walked away into the darkness, leaving Abhay standing there with unfinished questions… and a silence that felt heavier than any argument.

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