Ava's POV "Ma! We still have time. Let me just wear a churidar. God isn't going to hate me if I don't show up in a saree," I pleaded as she fussed over the fabric for what felt like the millionth time. "God won't, but Meera Aunty might flip out. She specifically asked to see you in a saree for once," she countered, adamantly smoothing out an invisible wrinkle on the pallu. It wasn't just Abhi's mom eagerly waiting to see me in this attire; it felt like my mom had regressed to my first day of school. "Okay, Ava. I know you're not a fan of traditional pujas, but please don't fall asleep this time. If you feel drowsy, go to another room—there are fifteen in that house! Just don't snore in the middle of it like you did last time," she scolded while steering us to Abhi's place. I sighed and kept quiet, knowing she could go on forever. "Say namaste to everyone," she whispered one last reminder as we stepped into the sprawling house, her warm smile greeting familiar faces. I scanned the
Ava's POV: "I'd rather drink bitter gourd juice every day for a week than run this stupid track," groaned Sharon as we dragged ourselves toward the ground. "Where do you think you seven are going?" Our coach stood in our path, arms crossed, radiating authority. "Umm... to the tracks?" I ventured hesitantly, earning a fake smile from him before he delivered his bombshell. "Nope. I'm relieving you all from running for a month." We exchanged confused glances. Relief? From him? Really? "I knew it!" Siddi stomped her foot. "If it's too good to be true, it is too good to be true." And just like that, we found ourselves picking up wrappers scattered across the college grounds. "Stop groaning. This is better than running laps," Sharon chirped from her spot on the bench, supervising as her clique of four did her share of the work. "She's the real culprit here," muttered Siddi, rolling her eyes. "I can still hear you," Sharon sang back in her usual dramatic tone. Despite myself, I coul
Ava’s POV: "There was no one except for the broken lock. We'll cross-check the details with the names you provided, but it might not yield much. Regardless, we'll do our best to identify and punish them," the professor said, his voice heavy with concern as a police officer scribbled notes. The CCTV was turned off after college hours. So, only I know what they looked like. I described as much as I could as they questioned me. I clung to Abhi's side like a lifeline, my nerves frayed and my mind unable to settle. Even in the presence of authority, I didn't feel safe. Not yet. ***** Abhi drove in silence, his grip on the steering wheel so tight that his knuckles had turned an alarming shade of white. His jaw was clenched, the tension radiating off him in waves. "Your jaw and knuckles will explode any second now," I pointed out, trying to inject some humor into the suffocating atmosphere. But he didn't even crack a smile. Instead, his serious gaze flicked toward me, a silent message th
Ava's POV: "I already called Abhi's mom. I know Meera Aunty will look after you well. But call me every day. Don't skip any meals, and make sure you're home before midnight," my mom rattled off her list of instructions while we stood by the curb, waiting for her cab. "Ma, I'm 20, not 2," I said, rolling my eyes. She shot me a look that could silence a riot. "Yeah? Then prove it by actually listening for once," she retorted, folding her arms. Classic Mom. I don't even know why I bother. "Okay, the cab is here," I blurted out, hoping to redirect her attention. But no such luck. "I can see that, Ava. Don't think you can just change the subject. Lock the house properly before you go anywhere. And drive safe—it's already dark," she added, her tone back to full-on concerned parent mode as we loaded her luggage into the cab. "Abhi is coming to pick me up, Ma. You don't need to worry. Go and enjoy your time with Aunt Priya," I said, hugging her briefly before stepping back to let her get
Ava's POV: I pressed my fist to my lips, trying to suppress the sob that escaped my throat. "Abhi, I... I don't know what to s-say," I stammered through the tears, my eyes locked on the dreamlike vision before me—a fantasy I'd always craved but never dared to hope for. He wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulling me into his warmth. His breath brushed against my neck as he murmured, "If this is how you'll react, I'll create a hundred more for you." My tears spilled over, and I leaned into him, my heart bursting with emotions I couldn't find the words for. "And you haven't even seen the interior yet," he added, his voice low and full of promise as if the best was still to come. I raced up the steps of the treehouse he built for me, unable to contain my excitement. A squeal escaped my lips as I took in the cozy white couch adorned with plush pillows and a decorated table laden with closed dishes. "I take it you like it?" he asked hesitantly, his uncertainty almost endearing.
Ava's POV: I didn't know waking up in someone's arms, held protectively, could make me feel so cherished. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat under my cheek, his arms wrapped securely around me, and his flawless, peaceful face made something inside me stir—a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time. Ugh, great. Now he's making me all corny. Unable to resist, I traced the arch of his brow and the curve of his lashes with my finger, my touch feather-light. "Thank you," I whispered, barely audible, "for being there, for making me feel so special all the time." I froze when I felt his hold tighten slightly. He was awake. "Mmhmm," he murmured, his voice still husky from sleep, "this would be the cue for a passionate kiss." His eyes fluttered open, and before I could react, he shifted, hovering over me with that smug, boyish grin. I couldn't help but laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck as he leaned closer. Not going to complain. "She's not in here, Meera. Maybe she went out for a
Ava's POV: "Oh no! Someone tell her not to go in! I cannot believe this woman! He's not having fits; he's a FREAKING ZOMBIE! Run before you become one too!" I shouted, chucking popcorn at the TV like it was somehow going to save the poor idiot on screen. "No, don't cry now, you imbecile! How can she be so stu—?" I paused mid-rant, turning to see Abhi sitting beside me on the couch, now half-covered in popcorn. His hair was a mess, no doubt from my repeated yanking during the movie. "Umm... sorry?" I offered a sheepish smile. "It's kinda your fault! I told you not to pick a horror movie," I added, trying to justify myself as his expression remained unimpressed. "I suggested a horror movie because normally girlfriends get all cuddly when they're scared. I should've known better than to think anything would be typical with you," he complained, setting his hair straight with exaggerated patience. "Aw, here," I said, snuggling up to his side, resuming the movie. I can do the whole snug
Ava's POV: "Then what?" Siddi asked eagerly, revving the Scooty up to 70. "Then the next thing that happened left me sore," I said, quickly covering Rocher's ears as he sat nestled between us on the seat. Siddi gasped dramatically and slammed the brakes, making my helmet bump into hers. "Seriously? We're in the middle of the road!" I yelped, panicking as Rocher barked in protest. "I don't care! Tell me every little detail now!" she demanded, refusing to move until I started talking. "Fine, but drive!" I insisted. She reluctantly started the Scooty again, turning left as I began. "Nothing happened," I grumbled, trying to untangle a knot from Rocher's fur while dodging her nipping teeth. "He kissed me, carried me to bed, and then..." I cleared my throat, stalling as Siddi giggled mischievously. "And then?" she pressed, leaning forward in anticipation. "Then he made me wear his shirt, laid my head on his chest, and told me to sleep," I said in a high-pitched voice, exaggerating t
Ava's POV:"This is from her ear piercing. She was so tiny just months old, look at her cute chubby cheeks and pouting mouth. They told me a gunshot was easier and less painful. But, man the second she cried. I cried with her and shouted at those innocent people", I explained to Abhi showing a video of Sara. "And this one", I laughed zooming in on the picture. "When I first got her home. Rocher was adamant on keeping her away from me. You know she came up with ideas to take our baby far while I was sleeping and cuddled with me", he looked at me like he couldn't believe it. "But I thought dogs love kids?", he asked me going through the pictures. "She does love Sara But, Rocher just got jealous at the time. They fight like siblings", I smiled looking at Sara's picture where she was covered with chocolate all over her face then he went to the next one. "I quickly grabbed my phone and shot this one while she was taking her first steps", I told him with adoration. I was so proud of her a
Ava's pov:"Abhi, your face was hilarious", I teased him as we left the cafe. The lift doors closed and I was laughing hard clutching the handle on my side. We were the only ones in here so I didn't hold back.I was still laughing as he suddenly grabbed my left buttock firmly in his right hand, brushing my long hair to the right side with his left hand before placing it on the back of my head. He tilted his head down to stare into my eyes, "You look gorgeous in this dress", I turned red as he stared at me with lust, rubbing his thumb over my bottom lip. "But I don't like it that you dressed for another man", then he kissed me deeply mouth to mouth. Holding my hair, and ass in his hands until the elevator came to an abrupt stop. The lights blinked and elevator doors were still closed, but it's not moving either! "What's wrong?", I panicked moving to the doors as Abhi just hugged me from behind pressing his nose into my neck. "I pressed the stop button and I guess it messed the whole th
Ava's Pov:"Ava, what did he say?", My mom asked me as I got out of my room. "Ma, Sara barely recovered concentrate on your granddaughter please", I went to the fridge dodging her. My parents are panicking more than me. Knowing them, Understandable. "I love my Sara and I know she is better now. Don't divert this. It's been a day since you told him. Why is he taking time if he is not thinking otherwise?", I rolled my eyes and sat down on the stool by the counter in the kitchen drinking some water. "It's been 19 hours and most of it was night. Let him think Ma, it's a big decision on anyone. You swore to not look at him again, before Sara happened or should I remind you the exact dialogue", I said peacefully when I am nowhere near that. This is what bothers me. I don't want them to accept Abhi because of Sara. I want them to look at him as he is. "Ava, what if he decides to not come back to you?", my dad came in asking me. "It's Abhi Pa, I didn't tell him for my reasons. But, I alway
Ava's pov:A week has gone by just like that. It was busy with shopping and site seeing around the town for Varun and Sara since they are new here. Now after a week, I wanted to rest. But, no. These people come up with new ideas to make my days more busy. It's alright weddings don't happen every day. "Right! Everyone line up!", The most enthusiastic one of the group Virin shouted through the mic. Yes, mic he planned a whole game day today. The wedding is in three weeks but, all the ceremonies start in two more weeks. Virin and Priti's close families are already here.House full of guests. We were in the twin's garden right now. All their cousins are here too. Some of Priti's cousins were giving me weird looks and I understand why. I killed their cousin. Even though everyone knows what kind of a person he was. They are still shocked to see me in person. It's making me uncomfortable. But, this is expected. Abhi came in talking on the phone. I was watching his every move. At least this
Ava's Pov:"Good morning Pa", I yawned leaning on my dad, Who was busy with a newspaper. He kissed my forehead drawing me into him more as I got comfortable on his shoulder. "What about me?", my mom lifted her hand. She was working in the kitchen making Sunday special breakfast Puri. "I love you, mummy", I smiled lazily. I was still sleepy. "What about Sara and Varun?", my mom asked. "They are still sleeping", It was a busy day yesterday. "Okay, as you are already awake eat breakfast and get ready Nana, we need to go shopping. Swathi and Mano already called twice", My mom is ecstatic that her two best friends are going to be relatives through this wedding. Not just their mums even Kyra and Priti will be related wow. "Mammy!", Sara shouted. I got up from the sofa and ran to my room, she was restless looking around my room half asleep. "Shh, it's okay Sara. You are in my room", I hugged her sleeping on the bed. She still needs to get used to a new place. Roche was already up and lick
No Pov:"Priti, I am nervous", Virin fidgeted in his place waiting for Kyra and Ava. "It's been years that's expected", Priti smiled. Aakash and Savi stood behind the young couple excited to see their daughter. "Sara! Behave baby", Ava widened her eyes trying to intimidate Sara as she tried to punch Rocher. "But, mama she is imitating my every move", She pouted. "Keera mamma!", She complained to Kyra as she and Varun were busy with the luggage. "Okay, okay. Leave it, baby aren't you excited to see everyone? You'll meet Virin and Priri for the first time no? Don't ruin your mood come here", Ava lifted the four-year-old as the little one leaned onto her bosom getting comfortable, poking her tongue at Rocher who was sitting on the cabin bag rolling her eyes. "You okay? Kyra asked Ava as they walked out hand in hand. They both shared excitement but, she is scared too. Ava carried Sara and Kyra got Rocher as Varun was moving luggage. They looked around for a few seconds as Ava let a su
No POV: Abhi and Ava are 25. Promise this is the last lapse. (hopefully)~~~~"We are getting married!!!", Priti shouted as Ava and Kyra stood up closing their mouths, watching the couple through the laptop. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!", They both caught each other's hands jumping up and down. Sara the four year started jumping with them even though she didn't know why. Virin and Priti just laughed watching the three. "Yes!!! Finally!! We three will dance to the song we dreamed of in Sangeet! And Oh! Oh! Kyra and I will get matching clothes as you. We will play your love story! Kyra will be Virin and I will be Priti! Most important of all will take tons of pictures and videos!!!", Their excitement reached the ceiling as they talked about all the things they planned to do when one of the three gets married."We'll do all that but, don't forget! It's in a month. I want both of your asses here before the weekend. I don't care about any excuses, take leave! It's high time Ava. At least Kyra
Third person's pov: After 2 years:"Hi, my parents like your family so much. And don't mind me saying this out of the blue but, you look gorgeous in person", Ava gave a fake smile refraining so hard from rolling her eyes. Instead, she tucked a hair strand behind her ear and caught the end of her Dupatta. "I work in Meta. I-", Ava cut him off before he reads out his biodata. "Did you know I was married before?", The guy lifted his brows like he didn't sign up for this. "I have two kids with him. I have no problem with him my family doesn't approve of him so they just forced me to leave him and here I am", He didn't look convinced and was about to call her BS. "This is him by the way", She showed a picture of her and Abhi kissing on the lips. "Hot right? You should know if by any chance they get me married to you. Future kids will still look like him", He was up and running down the stairs but not before. "You don't have to disrespect people calling them to your house".She didn't w
Ava's POV:'A loved son and friend now resting safe and at peace' I took out the dried flowers and replaced them with fresh ones. Doing the same with Sharon's grave which resided side by side."Oh, hey baby. You need some help picking up the garbage", Arun said lifting his eyebrows silly at Sharon."If you want to keep all your teeth intact. NEVER call me baby again", Said Sharon giving him a death stare."I love you too baby", came his reply annoying her more.""Are you still bickering?", I asked smiling through the tears. "Ava, man, I love her so much. God, I want to kiss that uncensored mouth almost every second of my life", I scrunched my nose as Arun smirked watching Sharon walk by us, rolling her eyes at him. "How can I forgive myself?", I hiccuped resting my hands on them. "Isn't simple to just sit there and cry when all it takes for you is what? Days? Months? To move on with your life?", I whipped my head towards Sharon's parents. "Stop it Neerja", Sharon's father caught h