Aapke bina har pal viraana lage,
Khushi ka har lamha begaana lage.
Dil mein basa hai sirf aapka pyaar,
Aapke bina sab kuch afsaana lage.
Kho jaane ka dar, bas ek deewana lage.
◇
Author Pov
The early morning air was filled with the earthy aroma of fresh banana leaves and the sound of bustling preparations.
Workers scurried around, hanging garlands and setting up for the day's two important rituals. The courtyard buzzed with activity, but amidst the commotion, Avantika stood frozen like a statue.
She was positioned next to her husband, her hands clasped in front of her, her expression carefully neutral.
However, she could feel Avyansh's intense gaze boring into her.
He stood tall beside her, his crisp white kurta doing little to conceal the red blotches scattered across his arms and neck-clear evidence of bites. The irritation on his face wasn't solely from the bites, though.
[ Bites from Mosquitoes Not Avantika..I know how dirty minded you all are 😏]
His jaw tightened slightly as he recalled his night spent on the terrace. Every room in the house had been occupied due to the influx of guests, and he couldn't bring himself to announce to everyone that his own wife had locked him out of her room.
Avantika, sensing his frustration but choosing to ignore it, glanced at the decorations instead.
She bit the inside of her cheek to suppress her smile and embarrassment.
Finally, breaking the silence, Avyansh leaned closer and whispered in her ear, his tone low but teasing. "Mosquitoes were kind enough to keep me company. Maybe next time you'll reconsider locking your husband out."
Avantika's lips twitched as she tried to keep a straight face, but she turned her head slightly to glance at him. "Maybe next time you'll think twice before disturbing my sleep," she retorted softly.
Before he could respond, an elder called out to them, signaling it was time to move forward with the rituals. The couple straightened, their silent battle momentarily put on hold as they prepared to face the day ahead.
Everyone welcomed Avyansh warmly, treating him like he was the prized son of the household. Laughter and chatter filled the air as relatives swarmed around him.
Suddenly, a loud voice called out.
"Avy!!"
It was Anushree, her face lighting up with joy as she hurried over. Without hesitation, she cupped his cheeks in her hands and gave them a firm squeeze, her excitement overflowing.
"En pulla vandhutaan! Paathiya? Evlavu ozhunga thinnu irukkuran! Eppadi thinama irukkan, paavam!" (My son has come back! Look how thin he's gotten! My goodness, poor thing!)
"Anushree paati," Avyansh protested, his voice slightly muffled under her grip. He gently grabbed her hand to stop her.
"Vidunga paati! Adhu valikkuthu!" (Leave me, Grandma! It's hurting!)
He sighed and added. "Naan thin illa. Naan nallave irukken." (I'm not thin. I'm healthy, okay?)
Anushree finally let go, grumbling something about how he wouldn't admit it, while Avyansh rubbed his cheek, shaking his head in exasperation.
Avantika's eyes widened at the lively confrontation unfolding in front of her. Before she could process much, another voice rang out.
"You forget about me?"
