प्यार में गिर गए हम आपके, इन सीढ़ियों का क्या,
हर कदम पे तुझसे जुड़े हैं, ये पल भी तेरे बाद क्या।
तेरे बिना जीना अब मुश्किल सा लगता है,
तेरी यादों में खो जाना ही सुकून सा लगता है।
◇
A
uthor's POV
The family was bustling with energy, everyone preparing to head to the Vattamalai Murugan Temple for the final ritual. Avyansh, after much coaxing from the family, had reluctantly agreed to participate.
Avantika, unaware of the specifics of the ritual, thought it was just a simple puja to be performed alongside the other couples upstairs.
As everyone gathered outside, Avantika stepped out, dressed in a simple yet elegant white saree with a thin gold border.
Her hair was tied into a loose braid that fell over her shoulder, adorned with jasmine flowers that added a delicate touch. She looked radiant, her face glowing with a soft grace.
Avyansh, who had been in conversation with Ruhaan, caught sight of her as she approached. His words faltered mid-sentence, his gaze softening as it followed her every step.
Her saree fluttered slightly in the gentle breeze, and the golden bangles on her wrist jingled softly with her movements. She adjusted her pallu with one hand, her movements graceful yet unintentional.
He noticed the faint kohl lining her eyes, which seemed brighter under the lights, and the small bindi that perfectly adorned her forehead. Even her nervous glances around didn't go unnoticed.
"Bhabhi, you okay na?" Sruti's teasing voice broke through Avantika's thoughts as she joined the group. Sruti giggled, clearly referring to the previous night's haunted house event.
Avantika shot her a fake glare, trying to suppress a smile. "I'm fine," she said curtly, shaking her head.
Meanwhile, Avantika's gaze naturally wandered to Avyansh, who was now leaning casually against a car, arms crossed as he listened to Ruhaan.
He was dressed in a crisp white kurta paired with white dhoti with golden border.
The rolled-up sleeves of his kurta revealed his toned forearms, and the simple yet classic attire suited him perfectly.
Her eyes lingered on his hair, slightly tousled by the wind, and the way his sharp jawline looked even more defined under the dim lights.
He had an air of calm confidence as he listened, occasionally nodding at Ruhaan's words. But what caught her attention the most was the way his lips quirked into a faint smile when Ruhaan cracked a joke.
She quickly averted her gaze, feeling a strange flutter in her chest.
"Why does he have to look so... composed all the time?" she muttered to herself, trying to focus on anything but him. Yet, her eyes betrayed her as they darted back to him for another stolen glance.
Unbeknownst to her, Avyansh had noticed her looking and couldn't help but smile slightly. He didn't say anything, though, choosing instead to continue his conversation while stealing his own glances at her.
As Avantika and the others arrived near the cars, the atmosphere was buzzing with last-minute preparations for the temple visit. The aroma of fresh jasmine filled the air as everyone gathered, dressed in traditional attire.
