The morning sunlight poured into the lavish living room, reflecting off the intricate chandeliers and the polished marble floor. Breakfast was long over, and the family now gathered in the living room, sipping tea and discussing their plans for the day.
Rishu adjusted her bag strap and said casually, “Maa, main college ja rahi hoon.”
Siya looked up from her cup, her motherly instincts immediately on alert. “Theek hai, beta. Ahaan tujhe drop kar dega,” she said, her voice calm but decisive. Her gaze shifted to Ahaan, who was slouched on the couch, scrolling through his phone with an air of disinterest.
Ahaan sighed dramatically, his face scrunched in irritation. “Jaldi chal, mujhe tere wajah se late nahi hona hai!” he grumbled, getting up reluctantly.
“Haan toh chal na! Main yahan koi nachne-gane ka program thodi kar rahi hoon,” Rishu retorted, her tone sharp but playful. “Tere saamne khadi hoon, taiyaar. Ab chal!”
Ahaan rolled his eyes, his trademark disbelief on full display. “Tera kya bharosa? Jo bola wo tu karegi bhi ya nahi,” he muttered under his breath, though his lips curled into a faint smirk.
“Achha, achha! Bas, ab dono jao. Late mat karo,” Siya intervened, her patience wearing thin but her love for their antics evident in her soft smile.
Without further argument, Ahaan grabbed the car keys from the table. Rishu followed him, her chin held high as if she’d won the verbal duel. The two made their way to the door, their bickering trailing behind them like a familiar melody echoing through the grand corridors.
Siya shook her head fondly and muttered to herself, “Yeh dono kabhi nahi sudhrenge.”
Ahaan turned the car towards the college, the engine humming softly as they cruised down the tree-lined road. Rishu adjusted her dupatta and looked at him thoughtfully. Breaking the silence, she asked, “Bhaiya se baat kare trip ke liye?”
Ahaan shot her a quick glance before focusing back on the road. “Abe, woh nahi manenge!” he exclaimed, his tone laced with certainty.
“Kya pata, baat karke dekhte hain. Maan jaaye toh?” Rishu persisted, hope evident in her voice.
Ahaan let out a sarcastic laugh, shaking his head. “Tujhe lagta hai woh 1920 ke mahaan purush is ke liye haan karenge? Par koi nahi, tu kehti hai toh ek baar pooch lete hain. Phir dekhenge.”
Rishu, undeterred, leaned back in her seat, a sly smile playing on her lips. “Hmm! Ek idea aur hai mujhe. Par uske liye meri dost se poochna padega. Tab toh bhaiya definitely maan jayenge!”
Ahaan frowned, glancing sideways at her. “Ek minute, teri friend yaha kahaan se tapak gayi?” he asked, his tone curious and slightly annoyed.
Rishu smirked, enjoying his reaction. “Tameez se baat kar. Bhabhi hai apni!” she declared, wagging her finger at him with mock seriousness.
Ahaan nearly slammed the brakes in surprise.“Heinnn! bhaiya ne shadi kar li? Btaya bhi nai? Kaise nirlajj bhai hai yaar!”he teased, the corners of his lips twitching with amusement.
“Tu bhi jaanta hai bhabhi ko,” Rishu said, her voice now softer, a hint of mischief sparkling in her eyes.
Ahaan squinted at her, trying to piece the puzzle together. “Kahin Niya di toh nahi?” he asked hesitantly.
“Haan, Niya hi hai!” Rishu confirmed, her expression turning serious. “Abhi woh London se aayi hui hai. Mujhe pata chala, toh socha usse mil aau. Tabhi toh maine trip plan kiya hai. Main chahti hoon bhaiya aur Niya ke beech sab sahi ho jaaye.”
Ahaan’s expression softened at her words, a faint smile replacing his earlier skepticism. “College ke baad Niya di ko call karenge,” he said decisively, his tone carrying a hint of excitement now.
Rishu nodded, her heart brimming with hope as they sped toward the college, the plan already taking shape in her mind.
[brother got married without even telling me! ]
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Meanwhile in Thakur Mansion
The soft afternoon light filtered through the sheer curtains of Niya’s room as she sat by the window, lost in her thoughts. Her health had improved, and now her mind was set on returning to London. Just as she sighed, a familiar voice broke her reverie.
“Kya soch rahi ho, princess?” Abhinav’s tone was warm yet curious as he leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed.
Niya turned toward him, a faint smile on her lips. “Kuch nahi, Bhaiya,” she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Abhinav raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “You’re talking like I can’t see right through you. Ab sach sach batao, kya chal raha hai tumhare dimaag mein?”
Niya hesitated for a moment, then sighed and said flatly, “Bhaiya, main wapas London ja rahi hoon.”
The words hit Abhinav like a jolt. His expression shifted from surprise to concern, and finally, a tinge of sadness crept into his voice as he asked, “Lekin tum toh yahan kuch din pehle hi aayi ho. Aur tumhare classes shuru hone mein abhi do mahine hain, hai na?”
Niya avoided his gaze, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta. “Bhaiya, vo—”
“Koi lekin-vekin nahi. Tum abhi kahin nahi ja rahi ho. Bs, decision final,” Abhinav declared firmly, his voice resolute yet tinged with emotion.
Caught between her own thoughts and her brother’s determination, Niya nodded reluctantly. “Jo aap kahenge, Bhaiya,” she said softly, though her heart wasn’t entirely in it.
Before the conversation could go any further, Abhinav’s phone buzzed on the table. The screen lit up, displaying the name “Baby💗”. Niya’s eyes immediately caught the flashing name, and her lips curved into a mischievous smile.
“Answer it! Answer it! Aapki baby ka call aa raha hai,” she teased, tilting her head playfully.
Abhinav shot her a look, clearly embarrassed, but picked up the phone. Niya gestured wildly for him to put it on speaker, and with a resigned sigh, he switched it on.
“Nav, I’m missing you so much,” came a sweet, familiar voice from the other end.
[A/N: You guessed it right—Abhinav’s ‘Baby💗’ is none other than Rishu Yaduvanshi!]
Abhinav froze for a moment, his cheeks warming with embarrassment. Niya, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying herself. She started waving her hands dramatically in the air, muttering, “Hayee, nazar na lage!”
Abhinav shot her a warning glance but couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips.
“Nav, aap sun rahe ho na?” Rishu asked again, her voice laced with affection.
“Hmm, sun raha hoon. Main bhi tumhe miss kar raha hoon,” Abhinav replied hesitantly, his voice quieter than usual.
Niya burst out laughing at his shy tone, clutching her stomach as she dramatically wiped away fake tears of joy.
Before Abhinav could scold her, Rishu continued, “humne na ek trip plan kiya hai. Aap please Niya ko mana lena. Please, please, please!”
Abhinav glanced at Niya, who was now sitting up straight, her curiosity piqued. “Theek hai. Main usse poochta hoon, phir batata hoon,” he said diplomatically, his voice steady.
“Alright! See you soon!” Rishu chirped happily before cutting the call.
Abhinav placed the phone on the table and looked at Niya, who was already grinning from ear to ear. Before he could say anything, Niya raised her hand in mock surrender.
“Fine, fine! Main chalungi,” she said, her tone playful yet decisive.
Abhinav shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips.
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Meanwhile...
In a sleek, modern office, Aman sat comfortably in his cabin, chatting casually with Riyansh, who leaned back in his chair, looking deep in thought. The soft hum of the air conditioner filled the space, interrupted only by the faint shuffle of papers and muted voices from the hallway.
Just then, Ayansh entered the cabin, his posture slightly hesitant but his usual cheerful demeanor in place. “Bhaiya,” he started cautiously, his voice low, “Ahaan aur Rishu ne aapse kuch baat ki kya?”
Riyansh looked up, his sharp gaze landing on Ayansh. “Nahi, kuch puchhna tha kya?” he asked, tilting his head slightly, one eyebrow raised in curiosity.
For a moment, Ayansh faltered, visibly caught off guard by Riyansh’s intense expression. “Nahi… nahi… wo toh… bas aise hi,” Ayansh stammered, his voice trembling slightly.
Riyansh leaned forward, his fingers steepled under his chin. “If there’s something on your mind, bol do. I’m listening,” he said firmly, his tone a mix of authority and care.
“Nahi bhaiya, kuch nahi,” Ayansh replied hastily, his words tumbling over themselves. “Wo toh bas… muh fisal gaya tha,” he added, his voice barely above a whisper, while nervously scratching the back of his neck.
Riyansh’s eyes narrowed slightly as he processed Ayansh’s response. “Whattt!!” he exclaimed, his tone laced with mild disbelief, his brows furrowing.
Aman, who had been quietly observing the exchange, smirked and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Bhai, tera muh fisal gaya? Lekin gira kaha? Mujhe toh dikhai nahi de raha,” he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Ayansh looked flustered, his cheeks tinged pink. “Mera matlab… jubaan fisal gayi thi,” he mumbled, his lips twitching into an awkward smile as he flashed a hint of his teeth.
Aman let out a hearty laugh, while Riyansh shook his head, his lips curving into the faintest hint of a smile. “Tum dono kabhi serious nahi ho sakte,” Riyansh muttered under his breath.
Ayansh, clearly eager to escape the teasing, muttered a quick, “Main chalta hoon,” before making a hasty exit, leaving Aman and Riyansh to share an amused glance.
. . .
Later in the evening, after wrapping up his tasks at the office, Riyansh headed home. Aman, ever the loyal companion, tagged along, his laid-back attitude balancing Riyansh’s more intense aura.
The drive was quiet but comfortable, the golden hues of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the city. In the back of his mind, Riyansh couldn’t help but wonder what Ayansh had been so nervous about.
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Riyansh’s POV
I walked through the door after a long day at work, already exhausted but hiding it well. Ahaan and Rishu greeted me with overly sweet smiles—the kind they reserved for when they wanted something from me. I stopped in my tracks, narrowing my eyes at them. “Kya chal raha hai?” I asked, my voice calm but curious.
Ahaan leaned closer to Rishu and whispered something into her ear. She immediately shook her head, nudging him back. “Nahi, tu bol na,” Rishu said, trying to act casual but clearly nervous.
Ahaan gave her an exasperated look before turning to me with a hesitant smile. “Bhaiya... vo... vo… Rishu ko aapse kuch kehna hai!”
Rishu’s eyes widened at his betrayal, and she muttered under her breath, “Kutta kahi ka... dusht…”
I raised an eyebrow at her, my expression a mix of amusement and confusion. “Who?” I asked, folding my arms.
“Arre, bhaiya, not you!” she clarified quickly, pointing at Ahaan. “Isko bol rahi thi main,” she huffed, shooting him a glare.
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Alright, ab bata do kya chahiye,” I said, my patience wearing thin.
Rishu took a deep breath and said quickly, “Bhaiya, hume trip pe jaana hai, so please allow us. Please say yes!”
I looked at their pleading faces, the sparkle of excitement in their eyes. “Thik hai, jao,” I said with a small shrug. “Koi rokega nahi, bas dhyaan rakhna dono.”
For a moment, they seemed stunned, as if they hadn’t expected me to agree so easily. But then, in unison, they both exclaimed, “Bhaiya aap bhi chalo hamare saath, aur Ayansh bhaiya bhi!” Their eyes were practically shining with hope.
I shook my head. “Nahi, mere paas kaafi kaam hai office ka,” I replied firmly.
Ahaan’s lips curled into a mischievous smirk. “Bhaiya... vo Thakur siblings bhi aa rahe hai!” he said, his tone dripping with suggestion.
I froze for a second, my expression hardening slightly as I looked at him. Before I could respond, Aman leaned in with a teasing grin. “Bhai, mouka acha hai maar le chhakka. Esi bahane ek ball toh khel hi lunga,” he whispered, clearly enjoying himself.
I exhaled deeply, trying to hide the faint smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. “Alright, theek hai. Main bhi chalta hoon,” I said, finally giving in.
The instant I said that, Ahaan and Rishu erupted into a dance of joy, twirling and laughing like kids. Watching them, I couldn’t help but smile—a rare, genuine one.
But my mind was elsewhere. The thought of seeing Niya, of maybe convincing her to talk to me, of perhaps getting a chance to set things right, lingered in the back of my head. My heartbeat quickened slightly at the mere idea.
Before I could dwell too much on it, a familiar voice interrupted us from behind. “Kaha ja rahi hai ab ye toli?” Chachi asked, stepping into the room with a questioning look.
Ahaan, still caught up in his excitement, blurted out, “Bhabhi ko manane!”
The words hung in the air like an unexpected bomb. My eyes widened in shock, Aman slapped his forehead with a groan, and Rishu stared at Ahaan in horror.
Chachi’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Kaunsi bhabhi? Tumhare bhai abhi shaadi-shuda toh hai nahi. Kis bhabhi ki baat kar rahe ho?” she asked, looking genuinely puzzled.
Ahaan realized his mistake too late. “Uh... w-wo... I mean... Aman bhaiya wali bhabhi! Haan, wahi!” he stammered, pointing wildly at Aman.
This time, Aman’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Meri?!” he exclaimed, his voice almost breaking.
Chachi’s eyes narrowed as she turned to Aman. “Tumhari kab bali chadh gayi, beta?”
Aman raised his hands defensively. “Nahi, Chachi, meri bali nahi chadhi! Mera matlab meri shaadi nahi hui!” He glared at Ahaan. “Yeh Ahaan pakka saste nashe mein hai, isliye bhabhi-bhabhi kar raha hai. Right, guys?”
I smirked, watching Aman struggle to dig himself out of the mess Ahaan had created. Rishu muttered under her breath, “Aise bhai milenge toh dushman ki zarurat hi nahi,” and I nodded subtly in agreement.
Meanwhile, Chachi looked thoroughly unconvinced but decided to drop the matter. “Bas jaldi khana khake so jaana,” she said, walking off with a shake of her head.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Aman turned to Ahaan with a murderous glare. “Ek din, ek din ke liye muh band rakha kar!”
Rishu and I burst into laughter while Ahaan scratched his head sheepishly. “Sorry, bhai...” he muttered.
This family, I thought, shaking my head, will never let life get boring.
Aman shot Ahaan a fierce look, the kind that could make even the bravest soul second-guess their life choices. Ahaan, clearly intimidated, swallowed hard, avoiding his brother’s piercing gaze. Just as Ahaan fumbled to come up with an explanation, I decided to step in before the situation spiraled further.
"Chachi, we're all going on a trip together with some friends," I said casually, my voice steady, hoping to steer the conversation into safer territory.
Chachi’s expression immediately softened, and a playful smile crept onto her face. “Oh, okay then! Jaao, jaao! Bas ek acchi si bhabhi le aana mere Ahaan ke liye!” she teased, her mischievous glance darting between Aman and me.
Her words lingered in the air, making Ahaan groan under his breath, while Aman smirked and folded his arms smugly. But for me, her comment struck a deeper chord.
How do I even begin to explain to Chachi that Ahaan is absolutely right? I thought, my mind spiraling back to the memories I had tried so hard to bury. The name “Chashmish” echoed in my heart like a bittersweet melody. I’m going to see her again. Maybe... just maybe, I’ll finally get a chance to make things right.
The thought sent a pang of regret through me—a sharp reminder of how my stubbornness had pushed her away. But not this time. This time, I’ll mend what I broke. This time, I’ll make her see the truth.
Chachi’s departure from the living room snapped me out of my thoughts. As her footsteps faded into the distance, Aman’s voice brought me back to reality.
“I’m heading out to pack. Kaafi eager hoon Radhe se milne ke liye!” Aman announced with an exaggerated grin, clearly unable to contain his excitement.
I raised an eyebrow at him, a smirk tugging at my lips. “Oho mere pyaare dilphek aashiq, woh tujhe ghaas bhi nahi daalegi,” I teased, folding my arms.
Aman shot back with an equally smug expression. “Haan haan, dekha jaayega kaun dilphek hai,” he retorted, his smirk widening into a grin.
The banter was lighthearted, but the energy in the room was charged with an unspoken anticipation for the trip ahead. After a few more jabs and laughs, Aman finally headed off, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
Rishu and Ahaan, still giggling from Aman’s antics, exchanged knowing glances before retreating to their rooms. With the house settling into silence, I too made my way to my own room.
As I shut the door behind me, the quietness of the night wrapped around me like a suffocating veil. The stillness wasn’t soothing—it was a reminder of the chaos in my heart. I leaned against the edge of my bed, running a hand through my hair, my chest tightening as memories flooded back. Every shared laugh, every stolen glance, every moment I had taken for granted—they all played in my mind like a haunting melody.
She wasn’t just someone I cared for. She was her. My Chashmish. My Bunny. The one person who had seen through my anger, my walls, my flaws, and still stayed—until I made her leave
I slipped into my cozy clothes and sank into the bed, seeking some sort of solace, but silence was no refuge for a heart weighed down by guilt. The darkness of the room mirrored the darkness of my thoughts, relentless and unforgiving. Like every night, my mind wandered to the same unbearable truth—I had driven her away.
The reason no longer haunted me. It was the consequences that did. The memory of her tear-streaked face, the trembling in her voice as she tried to understand why I was pushing her out—it was burned into me, a scar I could never erase. I didn’t just break her trust; I shattered her. My Bunny. My Niya. And in doing so, I had broken something in myself too.
The worst part wasn’t the guilt. It was the ache of her absence. The empty spaces in my life where her laughter used to be, the void where her presence used to fill every corner—it was unbearable.
The last memory of us together was her farewell. That moment feels etched into my soul, frozen in time. She didn’t look at me—not even once. The eyes that had always been my sanctuary, so full of warmth and affection, now brimming with pain I had caused. And yet, wasn’t this exactly what I wanted? My selfish desire to set her free from me, my cruel reality to push her away. But now... now, I crave nothing more than to hold her heart again.
I had convinced myself it was for her good, that I had no choice. How could I have stayed, knowing the truths I kept hidden? How could I have deceived the one person who deserved my honesty? I wanted to tell her everything, to bare my soul, but fate has a way of being merciless. She didn’t hear it from me—she heard it from others. And when she did, I saw something in her break, something irreparable. It wasn’t even my words that shattered her. But maybe... maybe that was better.
I had thought the distance would save her from pain, that it would be easier this way. But it wasn’t. Not for her, and certainly not for me. How do I forgive myself? Not for the lies I told, nor for the truths I hid, but for the way I let her go.
I remember that day too well. My anger—never meant for her—spilled out anyway. I lost control. I yelled at her. My Chashmish. My Niya. The only person who could calm the storm inside me, and yet, I unleashed it on her. I can still hear her silence. That deafening, unbearable silence. I broke something beautiful that day. And the worst part? I watched her walk away, knowing I deserved every ounce of her pain and none of her forgiveness.
What kind of man does that make me? A coward? A fool? Perhaps both. I thought I was doing the right thing, sparing her from the chaos I bring. But the way I handled it... no, I can’t even call it love. Love doesn’t destroy; it protects.
But now, past or not, I know one thing—I won’t repeat those mistakes again. I’ll fight for her, for us, even if it takes a lifetime. I’ll protect her, cherish her, and do everything to earn back her trust. Her love. Maybe, just maybe, she’ll forgive me.
The thought is both a hope and a torment. Tears sting my eyes, warm and unwelcome, and I let them fall. They trace paths down my face, soaking the pillow beneath me as regret weighs heavier on my chest. My heart aches as my mind spirals into the familiar void of longing and guilt.
Eventually, exhaustion takes over, pulling me into a restless sleep. Even in my dreams, her face haunts me—a bittersweet reminder of the love I lost and the chance I can only hope to reclaim.
.
.
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Kaisa laga chapter guys??
Any suggestions??
And again mere pyaro,
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