𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝚰𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃 (𝐑𝐄𝐕𝚰𝐒𝐄𝐃)

Chapter 12

Siddharth's POV:

I felt numb for a second. Everything went silent, like someone had pressed mute on life itself. Ashi looked at me with eyes full of hope, and my mom was smiling as if everything was already decided. But behind them, dada and Vaishnavi di looked unsure, their faces holding back mixed emotions.

I glanced again at my mom, her smile so warm, but what if I told them my feelings for Ashi had changed over time? I remembered how emotionally fragile she could be, how even small fights used to make her say things like she didn’t want to live anymore. That always scared me.

So I stood up, gently letting go of mom’s hand.

"Honestly, I need time to think about this. Even after four years in a relationship, I believe marriage is a huge responsibility. It needs deep thought before we take that step."

-- Author's POV:

Nandini’s smile faded slightly, her expression becoming more serious.

"Siddharth is right, Vibha ji. Ok beta, think it through carefully. But I do hope to hear a positive answer from you." She said while gently caressing Ashi’s hair. Siddharth simply nodded, still visibly confused.

During lunch, Siddharth excused himself. He wasn’t hungry. Instead, he went to Ashi’s room’s balcony to clear his head. The breeze felt calming, almost like the world trying to whisper clarity into his chaos. But soon, he heard the sliding door open. It was Ashi.

She placed a hand on his shoulder and stood beside him.

"You don’t want to marry me?" she asked softly.

Siddharth looked at her with wide eyes and quickly shook his head.

"It’s not that, Ashi. I just feel that marriage is a huge step, one that needs serious thinking."

Ashi smiled gently. "You think we can’t handle the hurdles that come after getting married?"

"Perhaps we can," he replied, not meeting her eyes, "but I have so many confusions in my mind."

She side-hugged him and said, "I’ll wait. Don’t worry."

He nodded silently, and the two returned to the living room.

Vibha asked, "Betu, you didn’t eat lunch. Aren’t you hungry?"

He smiled faintly. "No mom, I’m full. Ashi, I’ll head out now. I have some work to do."

Ashi looked confused. "What work?"

"Nothing major, I’m just exhausted. I need some rest."

She nodded, and Siddharth left the house before his family.

--

Back at home, Siddharth changed into casual clothes and picked up his phone. He dialed Avneet.

"Hey!"

"Sup?" she replied after clearing her throat.

"Can I come over? Just to hang out?"

There was a long pause, but finally she said, "Sure."

He smiled and rushed out. But just as he was about to leave, the front door opened, revealing his mom, brother, and sister-in-law.

"Where are you off to, chote?" Abhishek asked.

"Avneet’s house. Just to hang out."

They nodded, and Vaishnavi chuckled for some reason. He waved them off and headed out.

--

At Avneet’s mansion, she opened the door as soon as the bell rang. Siddharth greeted her with a wave. "Hi."

"Come in," she said, smiling lightly.

He sat on the sofa, admiring the surroundings.

"You renovated the kitchen again?"

She nodded. "Mom wanted something more vintage. She didn’t like the old tiles."

He nodded, impressed. "Looks good."

"Come to my room. It’s boring here," she said.

He followed her, and the moment they entered, he threw himself on her cozy bed.

"I love your bed."

Avneet chuckled. "What’s wrong with yours?"

"Just a bit too hard."

She nodded. A moment passed before she asked, "Cold drink or soft drink?"

"Chai," he replied.

She laughed. "Chai obsessed much?"

"Nothing hits like chai, especially after the weird day I’ve had."

She nodded and went to tell the maid.

While she was gone, Siddharth looked around her room. A wooden keychain caught his eye — "Sid Avu" engraved on it. Suddenly, his head throbbed, ears ringing. A flash of memory — him gifting it to a little girl — blurred his senses.

When the pain faded, he took a deep breath. Everything seemed normal again. Avneet returned with the tea, and he smiled as if nothing had happened.

He took a sip. "So good. Perfect masala."

"I know, aunty makes great chai. Even mom praises it every day."

--

As they chatted, Siddharth found himself lost in her eyes. Avneet noticed and waved her hand in front of him.

"Hey, what?"

He blinked, laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.

Suddenly, the power cut off.

Avneet sighed. "Ugh, so annoying. Wait, let me get a torch."

She rummaged through drawers. As she did, Siddharth came up behind her. She got startled, dropping the torch.

He didn’t say anything — just stared at her. She leaned back slightly, trying to move, but couldn’t.

"What... what happened?" she asked nervously.

He came closer and kissed her softly.

The lights flickered back on.

It got awkward instantly.

"Oops... sorry for that. I guess I should go," Siddharth said.

Avneet stood frozen.

As Siddharth rushed downstairs, the door opened — it was Sonia.

"Arey, where are you off to in such a hurry, Sid?"

"Home. I’ll see you later. Bye aunty, take care."

"Yes, go safely!" she called out after him.

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