To everyone voting, I kindly request you to follow me as well.🥺
"तेरी हँसी पे भी अब हक़ जताने लगे हैं,
ख्वाबों में भी गैरों से तुझे बचाने लगे हैं।
मोहब्बत है या दीवानगी की हद कोई,
हर साए से तुझे अपना बनाने लगे हैं।"
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Author Pov
As they reached Chennai, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and a sense of familiarity for some, while others soaked in the change of scenery.
A convoy of sleek cars awaited them at the station, their engines humming softly in the background.
They piled into the vehicles, the journey filled with occasional chatter and the hum of anticipation. After a short drive, they arrived at their destination-a sprawling village-style house that seemed to hold generations of stories within its walls.
The house was breathtaking. Its earthy tones, red-tiled roof, and wide open spaces immediately caught everyone's attention.
A grand entrance led into a large aangan surrounded by verandahs with intricately carved wooden pillars. The scent of fresh jasmine and the faint aroma of cooking wafted through the air, adding to its charm.
Avantika stepped out of the car and paused, her hazel eyes widening in awe as she took in the sight. The beauty and simplicity of the house left her momentarily speechless.
The soft rustle of trees, the chirping of birds, and the distant hum of life around the village created an atmosphere of peace and warmth.
Avantika's gaze traveled from the sprawling courtyard to the rows of earthen pots lined along one side, to the open verandah where colorful rangolis decorated the floor.
"It's beautiful," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else, her voice tinged with wonder.
"Ji, Bhabhi. Beautiful," Shashwat said, standing beside Avantika, his gaze fixed forward.
Avantika turned to look at him, following his line of sight. He was staring ahead at a woman probably 1 or 2 yrs younger than Avantika. She was dressed in a flowing brown ghagra skirt with a matching dupatta and top.
Her hair was open, cascading down her back, and her youthful energy seemed to radiate as she moved gracefully.
Avantika nudged Shashwat lightly with her elbow. "Yeh kya kar rahe hain aap? Kisi ne dekha na toh pit jayenge," she said in a hushed tone, her eyes narrowing .
Shashwat turned toward her quickly, his face flushed. "Nahi, Bhabhi! Main toh bas... unhe... matlab-" he stammered, struggling to find the right words.
"Hn.., hn," Avantika teased, smirking as she shook her head and walked ahead to join the others.
The group entered the house, greeted by the sight of an elderly woman walking toward them with open arms.
Her face lit up as she embraced Maanyata warmly. "Enna solla? So long it's been! Welcome, welcome!"
Two other women stood beside her, smiling warmly. Anjali and Pakhi stepped forward, bending to touch their feet respectfully.
"Aree," the elderly woman said in a mix of Tamil and English, her voice full of enthusiasm. "Where is your granddaughter-in-law? Maireko bhi dekhna hai!"
