तेरी आँखों में जो ख्वाब देखा,
दिल ने फिर उसी ख्वाब में खो जाना।
तेरे बिना हर दिन यूँ लगता है,
जैसे मैं खुद को ही खो जाना।
◇
Updated one day early yk why?
Avantika's POV
It was late at night, and I was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to sleep. But my mind wouldn't stop spiraling.
This Chitra... what if Avyansh liked her too?
The thought sent a pang through my chest. I turned onto my side, gripping the blanket tighter. This was a forced marriage after all...
But then I remembered his words. He had said he wanted to give this relationship a chance, right? But what if... what if he comes back and realizes he still has feelings for Chitra?
I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the thoughts to go away, but they wouldn't.
A sudden knock on the door startled me, pulling me out of my racing thoughts. I glanced at the clock. It was already past midnight-everyone must be asleep by now.
I sat up slowly, my heart beating a little faster. Who could it be at this hour?
Wrapping the blanket around myself, I got out of bed and walked hesitantly toward the door.
"Bhabhi," Tara said, rubbing her eyes sleepily as she let out a small yawn.
"Kya hua, Tara?" I asked, concerned by her late-night visit.
"Devika di is not in our room," she said, her voice tinged with worry. "I just woke up to drink water and saw she isn't there. Her phone is not here either."
"Huh?" I blinked, the weight of her words sinking in. "Did you check downstairs? Maybe woh niche gayi ho?" I suggested, trying to stay calm.
"Main abhi ek round niche se hi lekar aayi hoon. Nahi hai," Tara replied, shaking her head.
"Wait," I said, stepping toward the cupboard. I pulled out a shawl and wrapped it around myself, my T-shirt and trousers feeling too light for the cool night air.
"Let's check again," I said firmly, my heart pounding slightly as I walked toward the door with Tara trailing behind me.
The lights in the angan were on, casting a soft glow that made it easier to see as Tara and I reached downstairs.
I glanced around, checking the kitchen and even the washroom, but Devika wasn't there.
Tara yawned again, her concern evident despite her sleepiness. "Itni raat ko Didi kaha gayi hogi?" she asked.
"Pata nahi," I replied, thinking quickly. "Aap ek kaam karo, aap jaake so jao. Woh mujhe milegi, then I'll send her to your room."
"But Bhabhi, how can I leave you alone?" Tara protested, looking worried.
"Aap room mein jao," I muttered firmly, turning slightly as I heard footsteps behind me.
"Aap log yaha kya kar rahe ho?" a familiar voice asked. I turned around to find Argya standing there, holding a water bottle.
"Tara, tum room mein jao," I said again, giving her a small nod.
She hesitated but eventually nodded and left, leaving me alone with Argya.
