WAJHA TUM HO

10. || Secrets Or Sin ||

Dev and Ananya arrived at Dev’s house, where Karuna, Siddharth, and Avneet were eagerly waiting to welcome them. The house was brightly lit, and the atmosphere was festive. Karuna stood at the entrance with an aarti plate, while Siddharth placed a kalash full of rice at Ananya’s feet. Avneet held a plate filled with kumkum water, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Dev looked at Ananya, giving her a reassuring smile. She returned his smile, her nerves showing. Karuna, his mother, stepped forward and said gently, "Ananya, push the kalash gently with your foot and then step into the kumkum water."

Ananya did as she was instructed, pushing the kalash slowly with her foot. The rice spilled out, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. She then placed her right foot into the kumkum water, her heart pounding with the weight of the traditions she was now a part of.

Dev continued to hold her hand, a steadying presence. Sid and Avneet exchanged mischievous glances before stepping forward to lift Ananya’s lehenga slightly so she could move forward on the white cloth laid on the floor.

"Welcome to your new home, bhabhi," Sid said with a grin.

"Yeah, Bhabhi, let’s make this entrance memorable," Avneet added, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

After a few more rituals, Avneet and Sid escorted Ananya to her room. Dev, meanwhile, was pulled aside by his phone, an important call from his office demanding his attention.

Ananya sat in her new room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. The room was beautifully decorated, with soft, warm lighting and a large bed covered in rose petals. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

A while later, Dev approached the room’s entrance, only to find Sid and Avneet standing guard, their expressions mischievous.

Sighing, Dev asked, "Avu, has your Siddharth quit his job to become a watchman in his own house now?"

Sid smirked and replied, "Well, you’ll be pleased to know that nothing of that sort happened because you can't do anything without me. Forget the watchman, just hand over the 'nek,' or you’ll be sleeping on the couch tonight. In your own house."

Avneet giggled and added, twisting his fingers playfully, "Especially tonight, Bhai. It’s a special night, after all."

Dev made a puppy face and said, "Avu, you should be on my side at least. Sid is bound to become Bhabhi’s ka chamchaa from now on."

Avneet grinned childishly, "Bhai, from tomorrow I promise to be on your side. But tonight, this is my right."

Dev sighed, pulling out his wallet, intending to extract a card, but Sid snatched the entire wallet and started running. "Stop!" Dev shouted, but Sid was already halfway down the hall.

Avneet chuckled, "Don’t worry, Bhai. You didn’t tell him your PIN, so he’ll only get the cash in your wallet. That’s good, right?"

Dev groaned, "The problem is he knows the PINs to all my cards."

Avneet giggled harder, "Well, that’s even better then. Bye, Bhai!" She, too, ran off.

Patting his head in exasperation, Dev smiled and entered the room, locking the door behind him. He bent down to remove his shoes but froze as he noticed drops of blood on the floor. His heart pounded as he followed the trail, finding Ananya clutching her hand in pain, blood flowing from a deep cut.

He rushed to her, taking her hand gently, "Ananya, what happened? How did this happen?" His voice was filled with worry.

Ananya stammered through her tears, "I... I was cutting an apple, and I slipped. But why are you crying?"