MOHABBAT-E-DIWAANGI ( Book 1)

29. Karo gi ?????

Happy reading ✨

As Revti observed the hesitation still lingering in Avantika's eyes, she turned to Ansh, her husband, hoping for his gentle intervention. He, in his usual composed manner, simply said, "Ha beta ji, ruk jaiye" (Yes, dear, please wait). His words, though brief, seemed to resonate with the quiet authority they carried. Avantika, caught between her uncertainty and the weight of everyone's gaze, glanced at Aadish, then at the others, offering a small, almost reluctant smile before finally nodding. She told herself it was just a matter of one day—an illusion of simplicity in the face of what truly lay ahead.

Following Revti's careful instructions, Avantika settled into the most opulent room on the floor, surrounded by the luxuries that seemed to contrast with her inner turmoil. It was as if the richness of the room was meant to distract from the complexity of her feelings. The household, with quiet efficiency, dispersed to their respective rooms, preparing for the day—breakfast, freshening up, the mundane routines that seemed to mask the deeper undercurrents of the day.

Revti, however, was not one to let things slip so easily. She approached Avantika once again, coaxing her to join them for breakfast, her voice carrying a warmth that was difficult to refuse. With a persistence born of affection, she even managed to convince Avantika to wear the dress she had lovingly picked out two years ago—when Aadish first entered their lives for reasons Avantika still could not fully understand. That dress, once a symbol of hope and anticipation, now hung awkwardly on Avantika’s frame, like a memory that hadn't quite found its place in the present.

As Revti handed Avantika the white Anarkali with subtle red floral designs along the sides and adorned her with those large, stunning *Chandbaliyas* (crescent-shaped earrings) and a small black *bindi* (dot) on her forehead, Avantika looked nothing short of breathtaking. She appeared almost like a goddess in human form, radiating grace and elegance.

After an hour, everyone gathered in the dining area, waiting for her. Since her room was on the same floor, the others had already arrived and begun their breakfast, though they had only taken a few bites, as a silent gesture that they were still waiting for her to join them properly.

When Avantika finally emerged with Revti by her side, a soft smile on both their faces, Revti made a subtle yet protective gesture, placing a black *tika* (a mark to ward off evil) behind Avantika's ear. As they both entered, Revti led Avantika to a seat beside Aadish.

At that moment, Aadish’s attention shifted entirely to Avantika. The breakfast, which had consumed everyone else’s thoughts, was now entirely forgotten by him as his focus was wholly drawn to her presence.

As Aadish was lost in Avantika, and she was equally  entranced by him, both of them absently stirred their spoons, barely eating anything. Across the table, Revti and Ansh exchanged silent glances, engaging in a wordless conversation. Ansh, with a subtle shake of his head, seemed hesitant, but Revti, determined, cleared her throat to break the silence.

"Hum jante hai…" (We know…) she began, her voice soft yet firm, "Aapke sapne hai…" (You have dreams…) She paused briefly, her eyes filled with warmth and concern. "Magar hum aapki suraksha mein koi kami nahi rehne dena chahte…" (But we don’t want to leave any stone unturned when it comes to your safety…) Her words hung in the air as she continued, her tone gentler now, “To... kya… aap… Aadish se shaadi kar lengi?” (So… will you marry Aadish?)

It was only then that Aadish fully realized what his mother had just asked. He coughed, almost choking in surprise, and managed to blurt out a hoarse "Yes." In that instant, Avantika too became aware of what was happening, and, flustered, she found herself nodding in agreement.

The three "monkeys" of their home—Arman , om and Rudra —stood in shock, their expressions revealing their inner turmoil. It was as if they all silently thought, “Mom, that's not how we were supposed to do this.” But the moment had already passed, and the reality of Revti's sudden proposal hung in the air, impossible to take back.