दिल के दर्द को छुपाना सीखा है मैंने,
हंसी के पीछे कई राज़ छुपा रखे हैं मैंने।
खुद को बिखरने से बचाने की कोशिश में,
हर जख्म को मुस्कान में छिपा रखा है मैंने।
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Author Pov
The sun shone brightly at the zoo, casting a warm glow over the playful scene unfolding in front of me. Laughter echoed as families roamed around, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant day.
Avantika, usually so reserved, was surprisingly animated, holding hands with Devika while clutching a giant lollipop that seemed almost comical in size compared to her petite frame.
The lollipop had been a gift from her father-in-law, a playful gesture to coax her out of her usual shell.
"Yai lo aur ab thoda bachon jaisa behave karo," he had said, encouraging her to indulge in the carefree spirit of the day.
It was a rare sight to see her enjoying something so childlike, though the edges of her mouth were barely turned up in a smile.
Devika, beside her, was happily devouring an ice cream cone, her laughter ringing out as she teased Avantika.
"Bhabhi, look at that hippo!" she nudged, pointing towards a large hippopotamus lounging in the water.
Avantika glanced over, her expression a mix of mild curiosity and reluctance.
"Huh?" she muttered, trying to suppress a smile as she focused on the massive creature. Despite her cool demeanor, a flicker of amusement danced in her eyes, though she quickly masked it.
Dev caught the moment, snapping pictures of everyone enjoying the day.
His camera clicked incessantly, capturing the joy that surrounded them. Pakhi and Anjali, with their husbands, were also in the mix, laughing and sharing stories as they moved from one exhibit to another.
"Bhabhi, come on! Just one bite," Devika urged, teasing her to take a lick from her ice cream. But Avantika shook her head, still clutching the lollipop tightly, as if it were her lifeline.
"Bachpan ki yaadein taza kar lijiye, Bhabhi" Dev teased, joining in the playful banter, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Avantika shot him a glare, but it lacked the usual coldness; today, it felt more like playful annoyance.
As they continued their tour, Avantika felt a warmth spreading inside her, something unfamiliar yet comforting. Maybe, just maybe, today was a chance to let her guard down, if only a little.
As they wandered through the zoo, the group marveled at the variety of animals on display, each more fascinating than the last.
The air was filled with excitement, and the sounds of children laughing blended harmoniously with the calls of exotic birds.
"Look at the gorilla!" Dev exclaimed, pointing toward a large, muscular creature beating its chest in a display of dominance.
Avantika, glancing over, couldn't help but notice the six-pack abs of the gorilla, a mix of surprise and amusement on her face.
"Bilkul apke bhai ki tarah!" she blurted out, her voice carrying over the chatter.
Immediately, the laughter in the group came to a halt, and all eyes turned toward her.
