दिल की गहराइयों में एक एहसास जागा,
हर लम्हा अब तेरा चेहरा सामने आया।
सपनों की इस दुनिया में खोने लगा हूँ,
क्या ये सच है? मैं प्यार करने लगा हूँ
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Avyansh's POV
She slept. I never thought she'd panic like this. The memories of her trembling hands and tear-streaked face were fresh in my mind. My chest ached, knowing my words-meant to tease-could trigger something so deep and painful for her.
I was tired-drained from the hours on the private jet, the endless meetings, and the suffocating work pressure. But watching her sleep, her face soft and peaceful, wiped away every ounce of that exhaustion.
She was nestled in my arms, her head resting against my chest. Her breaths were slow now, no longer the rapid, uneven gasps from earlier. My hand unconsciously brushed her hair away from her face, careful not to wake her.
How could I have been so blind? I thought I knew people well. I prided myself on reading their emotions, but with her... I failed. My wife-my Avantika-had endured something unspeakable.
Something that made her flinch at the slightest push, something that haunted her even now.
I tightened my hold on her gently, ensuring her comfort. "I never want you to feel that way again," I whispered, though I knew she couldn't hear me.
Her soft features were a contradiction to the storm she carried within. The trust she had to let herself fall asleep in my arms tonight wasn't lost on me. It was a fragile thread, and I vowed not to break it.
As her head shifted slightly on my chest, her small hand clutched my shirt. I couldn't help the faint smile tugging at my lips. She looked so vulnerable yet strong.
"Whatever it is you've faced, I'll make sure you don't face it alone anymore," I promised silently.
She stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent. I leaned back into the pillows, careful not to disturb her sleep. Sleep could wait for me. Tonight, watching over her was all I needed.
A sudden knock broke the quiet atmosphere of the room.
"Come in," I muttered softly, careful not to wake her.
The door creaked open, and Maa peeked inside before stepping in. Her presence was always calm, always warm.
"She's sleeping?" she asked in a hushed voice, glancing at Avantika's resting form.
I nodded.
"And lunch?" she asked again.
"Thoda der baad," I replied, keeping my voice low.
Her eyes softened as she looked at Avantika. "Woh ro rahi thi?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.
I nodded again, not trusting myself to say much.
My mother-Maa-was too gentle for this world, always caring, always putting others first. She didn't see Avantika as just her daughter-in-law; she treated her as her own child, without any pretense or barriers.
Her gaze dropped slightly, and she walked closer to where Avantika lay. Placing her hand gently on Avantika's head, she said in a soft, almost pleading tone, "Dhyan rakhiye inka, Avy."
I nodded again, my throat tightening slightly.
"Bohot saha hai inhone... batate nahi, dikhate bhi nahi... par-" A single tear slipped down her cheek as she looked at Avantika's peaceful face.
