Ava's POV: Yes, he cheated on you and left without a word, but who's asking you to be his girlfriend again? My brain came up with all these logical arguments, yet none of them were enough to convince me to be his friend. I watched Darsh play with Rocher as she innocently ran around the grass, her tail wagging in excitement. This morning, I woke up in a surprisingly good mood and decided to go for an early walk—the first in ages. The irony wasn't lost on me. I used to look forward to these walks just to catch a glimpse of him. Back then, Rocher was always by his side, and I hated the very ground she walked on. If someone had told that fangirl version of Ava that this day would come, she wouldn't have believed a word. "Don't overthink it, Ava," Darsh said, his voice light, though there was something unreadable in his eyes. "I just asked you to be friends. It's your choice. Let's just be civil if nothing more." He continued running alongside Rocher, his laughter blending with her pla
Ava's POV: "Okay, line up, guys! We have a long way to go!" The organizer lady clapped her hands, her voice cutting through the early morning air. When Priti convinced me to go hiking, I didn't expect it to be with a bunch of strangers and a guide. I thought it would just be us, friends, enjoying a peaceful day. "Welcome to the Great Smoky Mountains! I'm Neerja, your guide for today. Before we begin, let me go over a few rules. Be careful of bears—these mountains are filled with them. Do not approach or entertain them. Stay at least 150 feet away. If a bear gets too close, lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain still until it leaves the area..." I zoned out as she continued, my attention shifting to the twenty or so other hikers. Most of them were students. Aka, love birds. If only Abhi didn't have to work... Before I could sulk about that any further, I was suddenly lifted off th
Ava's pov: I searched the area, scanning for any sign of a trail or another human. "Looks like we wandered off. Let's find a way back," he said, glancing over his shoulder at me. I took a slow sip of water, steadying myself. The plan had to be executed carefully. Now or never. "You want a snack?" I asked, offering him a piece from my hand. His gaze lingered on me briefly before he took the food, licking my fingers clean. I watched as he bit down and swallowed. A quiet exhale escaped me. Step one is successful. I met Arun's eyes, he wasn't even a yard away. A subtle nod was all the confirmation he needed. Now, I just had to wait. Minutes stretched into an eternity, but finally, after nearly twenty minutes, the drug started to take effect. "Darsh?" I caught his arm as he swayed slightly. "You okay?" My fingers brushed his cheek as he rested his head against my shoulder, settling onto a rock. "Yeah," he murmured, blinking sluggishly. Behind me, Arun and Sharon inched closer, re
NO POV: The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, completely unaware of the storm brewing in the distance. "Nadiya!" Abhi called out, rummaging through drawers, his movements frantic. "Let me guess, you lost something again?" Nadiya rolled her eyes as she stepped in. Abhi barely glanced up. "I need to pick up Ava, Arun, and Sharon from their hike. Please, just find my keys and don't tell Mom anything," he added, tying his shoelace in a rush. Nadiya smiled. "Bring Ava home too. I'm making biryani. Arun said he'd introduce me to Sharon today," she said, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Someone can't stop smiling," Abhi teased, wiggling his brows as she tossed him the keys. "I just can't wait to see your reaction when Arun starts worshipping the ground Sharon walks on," Abhi taunted Nadiya. "Just like you with Ava?" Nadiya lifted an eyebrow, her smile widening. Abhi chuckled. "Can't deny that." Before he could leave, a voice from the doorway made them both turn. "Now that your en
No POV: "Look at her, gorgeously wrapped in my arms. What say, Abhi?" Darsh caught Ava as she closed her eyes helplessly. Abhi gripped the phone, staring at the screen. Priti and Virin turned their faces away, unable to bear Ava's state. Darsh tilted the phone, capturing his moments as he pulled Ava closer, cuddling her. She tried to cover her exposed chest with weak movements, but he only adjusted the angle, capturing more of her. He looked at the camera, nuzzling into her skin. "She always belonged to me. Forget her." With that, the video ended. "We should give this to the police. This will prove her innocence in the case," Priti said softly, taking her phone back. Abhi got up, his face calm, but one glance at his eyes showed the pain inside. "Edit the video and hide her body before giving it to anyone, and ask them to be as confidential as possible. We don't want this video broadcasted like the rest of the case." "One last thing," Abhi turned towards Priti as she melted, lo
No Pov: "Abhi", Whispered Ava poking him. "What?", nine-year-old Abhi whispered back still closing his eyes and folding his hands in front of God. He didn't want his mom to give him a look for disturbing the pooja again. "Why are they marrying two statues as I do with my dolls?", she frowned at Priests marrying Ram and Seeta. "Mom told me he loves her so much that he gives himself to her every year through this celebration", he replied peeking at her with his right eye. She still looked confused, "everyone does that?", she questioned Abhi. "I don't know about everyone but, I will marry you every year just like him when we become adults", he said kissing her cheek real quick, going back to his position, earning a toothy grin from the little girl. •_____• "Ma", Abhi grabbed Tara's(Darsh's mom) hands as she just looked down not facing him. "Everyone might be cursing you for his mistakes. But, I understand how hard it must've been to see your son kil
No Pov:"Ma", Abhi grabbed Tara's(Darsh's mom) hands as she just looked down not facing him. "Everyone might be cursing you for his mistakes. But, I understand how hard it must've been to see your son killing your husband shown on some random channel", Tara was shedding silent tears as Priti grabbed her shoulders standing beside her. This same news caused her a mild heart attack, from which she is still recovering. Abhi squeezed her hand trying to comfort her. "I don't want to interrogate you like everyone else. Instead, I want to request you please", He went down on his knees folding his hands. "Please, let me know anything that can help me find her. Every passing second, every thought of what might she be going through is killing me", his voice hoarse eyes defeated. Priti cried silently watching Abhi's venerable state. Tara was still silent but for the first time in the past few days. She at least listened to someone. She has not been talking or responding to any questions from th
No POV:A few years ago"Dad! Dad, play with me please", the little five-year-old girl hopped up and down on the construction site as her father busily spoke to someone on the call dismissing her. Everyone who was working on the cement floor smiled at the girl as she ran here and there. She took a small needle she could find and poked her dad to get his attention. He shoved her a little giving a playful glare as everyone around laughed at her antics. This time the girl found a bigger tool and dragged it dropping it on her father's shoe. He yelped and shoved the laughing girl behind him harder out of instinct and pain. The girl screamed loud with all the air in her lungs for her father and stopped the next second, as he tended to his bleeding toe not even looking her way. He looked frustrated ready to reprimand his daughter only to be met with shock from every person working on the floor in front of him. They all stopped working and gasped clasping their mouths, running towards him.
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