3. Chance

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It's a Friday morning. The crisp sunshine and chilling air from the balcony door are comforting enough to pull anyone into a deep slumber.

Avni snuggled more into the comforter, enjoying the frigid weather. She was too lazy to wake up and tried sleeping more if possible. She woke up yawning with a fresh, glowing face after twelve hours of beauty sleep.

Avni's eyes wandered across the bedroom, but there was no sign of Siddharth. She woke up stretching and ambled to the washroom. She relaxed in the bathtub for about an hour enjoying the bubbles at the surface of the water. She inhaled the subtle lavender fragrance of her new shampoo and showered ever so slowly, losing track of time.

Avni walked out, closing the door behind, wrapping her petite form and long silky black hair in peach-colored turkey towels. She played soothing light music on Television and began drying her hair, wiping it gently. The frigid climate left her hair damp, and she lazily left it open to dry thoroughly. Time seemed to proceed in slow motion for her

Avni's gaze fixed on a white salwar kameez as she shuffled through the closet, finding a perfect dress matching her inner peace. The dress is embroidered in a golden thread at the top and ended with a maroon border. The netted dupatta was plain and finished off with hangings at the ends. It was simple yet intricate.

"Which is your favorite color?" A 19-year-old Avni Kashyap questioned excitedly over the phone, trying to know Santosh's likes.

"Why?" Santosh spoke in his usual 'engrossed in playing' voice.

"I'm too lazy to pick a dress for tomorrow, and my friend hasn't already decided one for me," Avni whined, frustrated as she is not the type of girl taking an hour choosing a dress when her dad isn't around.

Santosh remained thoughtful for a few moments before letting out a chuckle.

"Let's say I'll cut the call and let you play your video game if you answer this," Avni whined, expecting an answer right away with no more beating around the bush. She knew he loved his STUPID GAME - CS: GO.

"Pink, No White. I like white more," Santosh gave an honest opinion, and they spoke a little more before Avni finally cut the call.

Avni's eyes glistened as his voice played at the back of her mind while she dressed. She recalled every call that's recorded in her heart. She sucked in a deep breath brushing through her snarled hairs breaking the trance.

Avni got ready and applied kajal, peach-colored lip balm. She put on light golden jhumkas and admired herself in the floor-length mirror propped against the wall. She descended downstairs as numerous bangles clicked against each other, giving her the glow of the new bride that she is.

Sidharth's heart skipped a beat taking in her beauty as her bangles pierced through the silent atmosphere. He realized the little effort she put in today for the first time in the past ten days to appear alright. He concluded white looks best on her.

Avni casually walked into the kitchen and lifted her head, tucking a few strands of her hair. Siddharth instantly turned the other side on the pretext of grabbing salt. He was almost done preparing lunch for them as he also woke up late that day. He cooked potato fry and tomato dal along with rice.

Avni cut the vegetables in the past few days, arguing that she is bored sitting idle. She couldn't see him struggling on one side, but the other dominant part of her mind admired him for being egoless, caring, and understanding. He never let out a tinge of frustration and managed to do all household chores with her very little help.

Avni arranged the dining table as Siddharth brought in the dishes. They ate in silence before Siddharth questioned, in an emotionless voice, "Your sleep was very long. Are you alright?"

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