MARRIED TO MY EX- GIRLFRIEND

Chapter 13: Mending The Cracks

Shivani and Atharv were laughing and chatting with their friends, enjoying the vibrant Holi celebration. Colors and laughter filled the air as they danced and played with each other.

Just then, their friend, ,Anu pointed at Shivani's neck and exclaimed,
Anu:  "Hey, what's that? A Holi stamp?"

Their friends giggled, and Shivani's face turned bright red as she realized what Anu was referring to - a hickey on her neck, courtesy of Atharv's affectionate bite the night before.

Atharv chuckled and pulled Shivani close,
Atharv : "Guilty as charged," he said with a grin.

Their friends teased them playfully,
Akash: "Look at them, so lovey-dovey!"

Sarah: "Atharv, you're such a romantic guy!"

Shivani playfully rolled her eyes, Shivani: "Shut up, guys. It's just a little Holi color, that's all."

But Atharv just winked at her,
Atharv: "Let them tease, my love. I'm proud to show off my love for you."

Their friends cheered and clapped, and Shivani couldn't help but laugh and blush at the attention.

Then, Rakshan joked,
Rakshan : "looks like you two lovebirds planning to give Advi and anvi a sibling soon?"

The group erupted in cheers and teasing chants of "Baby on board!" and "Atharv and Shivani, soon to be parents again!"

Shivani's face turned bright red as she playfully hit Atharv's arm,
Shivani : "Shut up, guys! We're not even thinking about that yet!"

Atharv just chuckled and pulled her close,
Atharv : "Well, who knows, maybe soon we'll have another little bundle of joy to celebrate with!"

Their friends cheered and clapped, and Shivani couldn't help but laugh and blush at the playful teasing.

suddenly, Atharv's parents, Lakshmi and Pradeep, came running towards them, their faces etched with worry and fear. Anvi was in their arms, her little face scrunched up in distress.

Lakshmi: "Atharv, Shivani! Advi is missing!" , her voice was trembling.

Shivani's eyes widened in horror as she rushed towards Lakshmi, her heart racing.
Shivani: "What do you mean she's missing? Where was she last seen?"

Lakshmi's eyes welled up with tears. Lakshmi: "We were playing with the kids, and Advi was right there with us. But when we turned around, she was gone! We thought she might be with you or your friends, but..."

Atharv swiftly took Anvi from his parents' arms, his face set in determination.
Atharv: "Don't worry, Amma, we'll find her. Let's split up and search the party area. She can't have gone far."

Shivani nodded, her mind racing with thoughts of Advi's safety.
Shivani:;"I'll check the food stalls and the games area. Atharv, you take the stage and the music area. Meet back here in 10 minutes and we'll regroup."

As they dispersed to search for Advi, their friends too joined in, helping to scour the party area. Shivani's heart was heavy with worry, her eyes scanning the crowds frantically for a glimpse of her little daughter's bright pink dress.

Meanwhile, Atharv was searching the stage and music area, his eyes scanning the sea of colourful faces, his heart pounding with anxiety. He stopped a few people, asking if they had seen Advi, but no one had any information.

After what felt like an eternity, the group reconvened at the meeting point, their faces etched with concern.

"Any luck?" Shivani asked, her voice barely above a whisper.