Jo kabhi ek dusre se nafrat karte the, aaj wahi ek dusre ki mohabbat aur taqat ban gaye hain.
The next morning, Avni woke up to the soft rays of the sun streaming through the curtains. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the light, and turned her head slightly. There, right beside her, was Driti, still fast asleep, her tiny fingers gripping Rudra's hand even in her sleep. Rudra, too, was asleep. A gentle smile tugged at the corner of Avni's lips as she watched them.
For a moment, she just observed them-this little family she was now a part of, however strange and cold it still felt. But there was something peaceful in the way Driti held onto her father, something that tugged at Avni's heart. Slowly, she sat up, careful not to disturb either of them. She came out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.
Back in her own room, she sighed and moved toward the wardrobe. She had made up her mind to visit the temple today. She chose a simple yet striking red saree, its color bright against her skin. After draping it around herself, she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the pleats and tucking them in place. Her hair was tied back neatly into a low bun, a few stray strands framing her face. She added a bindi and simple jewelry before stepping back to look at herself.
She looked... different. Not like the girl she had been a few months ago. Marriage had changed something, though she wasn't sure what yet.
Taking a deep breath, Avni left the room and made her way downstairs. The soft clinking of her bangles echoed as she descended the stairs. In the living room, she saw Rudra's mother arranging flowers in a vase, her sharp eyes catching sight of Avni almost immediately.
"Avni," she said, her voice warm as she looked her up and down, "you look so beautiful today beta. Red suits you very well."
Avni smiled softly, feeling a little shy under the compliment. "Thank you, Maa," she replied.
Rudra's mother set the flowers aside and approached her. " Itni subah tayar hokar kahan ja rahe ho?"
(Where are you going so early, dressed up like this)
"Main mandir ja rahi hoon." Avni replied, folding her hands in front of her.
(I'm going to the temple)
Rudra's mother nodded approvingly.
Just as Avni was about to step outside, Rohan, appeared from the hallway, still half-dressed in his casual morning clothes. "Good morning Bhabhi!" he called out, jogging up to her. "Aap mandir ja rahe ho? Chalo, main tumhe chhod deta hoon. Waise bhi main abhi nikalne wala hoon."
(You're going to the temple? Let me drop you off. I'm heading out soon anyway)
Avni turned to face him, offering a polite smile. "Nahi, theek hai Rohan. Main khud hi chali jaungi."
(No, it's alright, Rohan. I'll go on my own)
He raised an eyebrow, his usual teasing grin creeping onto his face. ""Pakka? Koi problem nahi hai. Waise bhi, aap yahan naye ho. Agar aap raasta bhool gayi toh? Main bhaiya ko kya bolunga?" His tone was playful, but there was a hint of genuine concern beneath it.
(You sure? It's no trouble. Besides, you're new to the area. What if you get lost? Why shoulf I tell bhaiya?)
Avni chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I'll manage, don't worry."
Rohan studied her for a second, then shrugged. "Alright, if you insist. Just take care, okay?"
"I will," Avni promised, stepping out of the house.
Within a few minutes, Avni reached the temple. The sweet scent of incense hung in the air, and the soft, rhythmic ringing of temple bells echoed around her. She slipped off her sandals at the entrance and walked barefoot inside, the cool stone floor grounding her as she made her way.
