The Seven Phases Of Marriage

42. Fate plans

"Please make yourself comfortable," Avni offered, opening their bedroom door and guiding Santosh. "I'll get the towels and stuff in a moment." She was about to go out before Santosh held her hand.

Avni couldn't be angry with him anymore. His touch didn't offend her. She lifted her lashes, looked into his eyes, and found emotions she couldn't comprehend. There were hope, emptiness, and most importantly, love. This was the very first time he appeared vulnerable.

Avni gently withdrew from his hold and mouthed, "Freshen up."

When Santosh confessed his feelings, Avni couldn't process anything. Her mind and body went numb. It started drizzling moments later, thus saving her from the situation. They soon rushed to the car, and Santosh drove her home.

By the time they reached Avni's place, it was raining heavily, and she didn't have an option other than offering him to stay. The thunders and lightning scared her, and she would blame herself for a lifetime if something happened to him. Thus, she made up her mind and requested him to stay no matter how much her heart denied it.

Santosh hesitated, understanding Avni's discomfort but agreed anyway. Both got completely wet by the time they reached.

Avni knocked on the bedroom door before tiptoeing inside. The room was dark except for dim lighting through the window from the Eiffel tower. She silently picked up Siddharth's clothes and placed them on the bed along with the towels.

Avni's feet hit a table on her way back, and she pushed a wallet to the ground while trying to balance herself. A few tears cascaded down her cheeks without knowledge as she took a closer look. His wallet has her picture with a bright smile.

Avni rushed out of the room, noticing the shower turning off. She couldn't muster the courage to face him and kill his hope. Not yet! Turning on the tap in the kitchen, she cried, letting her feelings take over. She kept no track of time until she heard his voice.

"You should quickly change. You'll catch a cold otherwise," Santosh called from the kitchen entrance facing her back.

"Yeah. I'm going," Avni tried hard to sound normal, but her voice betrayed. She quickly wiped her cheeks and rubbed her eyes before turning to him. She gave him a forced smile before moving away to change.

Time passed in a blur till she called it off a day. Santosh boiled a glass of turmeric milk for her. She would've appreciated his care on a regular day, but she couldn't think straight anymore. After serving him leftovers from the refrigerator, she requested him to take the bed.

Sleep was far away that night. Avni's heart was burdened thinking about the events. When did he develop feelings for her? Did he love her to the extent of having her picture in his wallet? Speaking of the image, how did he get one? What led to these drastic changes in Santosh? Most importantly, why her out of all the women on earth?

How will he react when she discloses her marital status? Will he call Siddharth names and assume he is her sugar daddy? Wasn't that one of the reasons she hadn't told him yet? Making it to SM Automation was purely her hard work.

Numerous questions lingered in her head, but she was too tired to find answers. She fell asleep around midnight.

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"Coming today. Do remember the kiss you asked for," Avni smiled, reading a text from her dear husband. Everything else can wait!

She searched for Santosh and found him in the kitchen making a coffee for himself.

"I wonder whose house this is," Avni leaned against the wall, crossing her arms and admiring his work. He grabbed the essentials with ease and worked his way in comfort.