𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐟𝐞

22 UNVEILED TIES

AVNI'S POV:

He didn't reply to my question but continued to stare at me. Feeling awkward, I turned to look out of the window, wondering if I had crossed my limits by asking him such a personal question. Tears welled up in my eyes before I could stop them. I quickly wiped them away, hoping he wouldn't notice.

But then his voice broke the silence.

"Avni, don't cry. You haven't crossed any limits, nor am I breaking this friendship. I came to check on my friend because I care for her," he said softly, and I turned to look at him in shock.

"Did I say that out loud?" I asked hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckled, the sound easing some of the tension between us. "No, Avni, you didn't. It's just that I can read your face."

We continued talking, the tension melted away, and before long, we reached my parents' house. I invited him inside, and to my surprise, he agreed. A sense of happiness bloomed within me as we entered together.

Inside, I introduced him to everyone as my boss and Aaru's brother. He didn't comment on how I chose to introduce him, but I couldn't help noticing his slight smirk. My family greeted him warmly. Anya, however, tried her best to get his attention, but he royally ignored her, leaving her visibly frustrated.

As we all talked, I noticed him rubbing his forehead, and I instantly knew he had a headache. Without saying anything, I decided to head to the kitchen.

"Avni, go help Meenal set the dining table," Taiji instructed sharply. I nodded and made my way to the kitchen without protest.

"Arjun beta, please join us for dinner. It will be a pleasure if you stay," Dadi's voice rang out warmly.

"Okay," came Arjun ji's faint but polite reply.

Mom and I quickly set the dining table and began serving everyone. Anya, as usual, tried to sit beside Arjun ji, but he stopped her with a calm yet firm tone.

"I have to attend a meeting while eating," he said, brushing off her attempts.

"I won't disturb you," she argued, but his response left no room for further debate.

"Actually, Avni is going to help me with this."

I glanced at the dining table and realized there was nothing Arjun ji would eat except chapati. Panic set in, and I decided to quickly prepare something for him.

But before I could step away, his voice caught my attention.

"Aunty, what will Avni eat?" he asked suddenly, his words startling everyone at the table.

"Beta, there's plenty of food. She'll eat anything," Taiji replied dismissively, her tone sharp as she threw me a disapproving glance.

"Aunty, Avni is allergic to mushrooms. Don't you know that?" he countered, his tone laced with disbelief.

I looked at the dishes on the table and then at my mom, silently asking for answers. Had they truly forgotten?

"Arjun ji, just give me fifteen minutes. I'll prepare something for us," I said quickly, feeling the weight of his gaze on me.

He nodded without another word and engrossed himself in his phone, giving me the time I needed.