Ananya's P.O.V....

It was a quiet morning. Prisha and I were sitting on the living room sofa at my house, both with cups of streaming chai in our hands. A plate of maa's homemade aloo parathas sat between us, still warm. Soft sunlight streamed in through the windows, and the garden swing outside gently rocked in the breeze.

I hadn't said much. But I could feel Prisha watching me, a concern written all over her face.

" You're sure you're okay, Ana?" she finally asked, her voice gentle but edges with worry.

I looked at her and gave a soft smile. " Yeah, I'm completely fine."

That's the thing about Prisha -she's always been this way. If I'm hurting, she can't breathe easily. She's more than a friend -she's the kind of soul who's stitched into the fabric of my heart. My anchor. My mirror. My chaos and my calm. With her, I never have to pretend.

And right now, her calm was nowhere to sight.

" Saala kameena! Kaise haath lagaya tujhe? Gutter ka keeda! mile kbhi dubara 6ft zameen ke niche dafan kar dungi." she muttered, half to herself, pacing like a storm in heels.

I chuckled, she's been saying the same thing for the last thirty minutes.

Just then, the front door opened - and in walked Rachit bhaiya and Aashi bhabhi, back from the wedding they had attended.

Bhabhi didn't wait a second. She rushed toward me and pulled me into a tight hug. " Ana! Tu theek hai na?.. we were so worried!" she said, cupping my face.

Rachit bhaiya's jae was clenched, his fists tight. He looked like he was holding back an explosion. " Ana, come here bacche," he said, his voice rough as he hugged me hard. " Are you alright? How are you feeling...you can share with us okay. I'm here now."

And just like that -my heart swelled. They'd barely entered, but their eyes said everything. The panic, the helplessness, the relief of finally seeing me safe. Bhaiya and bhabhi have always been like this -protective, loving in a way that sometimes wraps around me like a shield I never asked for, but always needed. I might be an adult now, working, living my life, but for them... I'll always be their little girl. Their Ana.

" I'm okay, bhaiya. Really. Bhabhi, I'm fine now," I said, trying to calm the storm building in both their hearts.

But bhaiya's anger was already breaking through. " How dare he? That man -how dare he do something like that to our Ana? I should've been there! As your brother, I -" his voice trembled, fury thick in the room.

I quickly reached out, touching his arm gently. " Bhaiya, please..calm down. It's over now. Everything is okay."

Even Prisha jumped in, " Yes, bhaiya. Relax. That disgusting man already got what he deserved. Abhimanyu protected Ana."

At the mention of his name.. something inside me shifted. A warmth, like a soft breath in my chest. Safe. That's what I'd felt in that moment -safe.

His words echoed in my mind, steady and fierce - "I'll never let this happen to you, while I'm breathing."

It wasn't just what he said. It was the way he said it. Like a promise carved in stone. Like the world could fall apart around me, and somehow, he'd still stand there -holding the sky up with his bare hands if he had to.

In that instant, I didn't feel alone. I didn't feel like I had to be strong for everyone, or pretend I was okay. I just.. breathed.

Because somehow, in his presence - my heart knew I was protected.

____

I always believed there were only few beings in this world I could trust blindly - one of them is my other half Prisha, and two, my dearest bhaiya, But today...today he drowned that trust in sugar syrup and ate it whole.

I opened the fridge, humming happily. Papa had brought rasgullas just for me yesterday. I counted them. All twelve. But now? Not. A single. One.

" Maa!!" I yelled. " Mere rasgulle Kahan gaye?"

From behind, came the most sinister voice -Rachit bhaiya's.

" They were really good...just got a little carried away. "

It took me one second to process that. And the next second , my eyes turned red with rage. " I'm not sparing you today, bhaiya!!" I grabbed my slipper and ran after him.

" Hey! Ana, Relax yaar. It was just rasgullas, not diamonds!" He ran ahead, dodging furniture like his life depended on it-

which, to be fair, it did. I was right behind him, ready to avenge my sugary loss.

Maa came out of the kitchen. "  What's happening?" Kyun maar rahi hai bechare ko?"

" Maa , bhaiya mere saare rasgulle hazam kar gaye..every single one." I huffed.

Aashi bhabhi chimed in dramatically, " Hww! Ana, zor se maar....isi layak hai ye!"

Bhaiya gasped. " What? You too? Tum wife ho meri ya dushman? Aur tu...Ana rasgulle hi toh khaye hai konsa heere moti kha gaya tere jo churail ki tarah piche padi hai."

He actually hid behind Maa, the coward.

I gasped. " Those rasgullas were as precious as diamonds to me! Aur kya bola churail? Ab dekhiye ye churail kase ulta latkaati hai aapko bargad ke ped se"

I charged at him with my slipper. He screamed, " Maa! Bachao aapne ek lote khubsurat nozawan bete ko!"

Just then, Meera Chachi came out of her room. " Hww! Ana ek toh galati ki upar se tujhe churail bhi bol raha...bilkul chorna mat isko aaj."

Bhabhi started chuckling.. bhaiya now is more terrified. " Are kya tum has rahi ho...bachao aapne ek lote pati ko nahi toh vidhva ho jaogi." he said.

Bhabhi dramatically. " Koi baat nahi..main tumhari yaadon ke sahare zindagi kaat lungi...Ana dafan kar de inko aaj"

Maa and Chachi laughed so hard.

Bhaiya. " Tum log toh milke saazish karte ho mere khilaaf... traitors, badla lunga."  he groaned.

Chachi smirked. " Phele tu khud ko toh bacha le."

I was still behind him, slipper in my hand, chasing him through the house like a possessed banshee. Just then, chiku -my sweet, loyal baby -leapt up and barked at bhaiya, then jumped right on him, making him crash to the floor.

" Chiku, You traitor...Saale gadari karbe!!" he cried.

I grinned wickedly, " Very good, chiku... that's like my baby"

And then I gave him two solid snacks with my slipper. THWACK ! THWACK!

" Ahh! Maar diya iss churail ne...Ana, sorry yaar! Koi bachao mujh lachaar insaan ko...Arey I'll buy you lots of rasgullas.." he said.

_____

Meera chachi had her notebook open, menu ideas for her bakery scribbled across the page, and an excited gleam in her eye.

" So, the caramel hazelnut mousse or the Belgian mocha tart for the new dessert feature?" she asked.

" Mocha tart," I said immediately. " It sounds fancy but comforting."

" Exactly, It will really be good." Aashi bhabhi agreed.

Rachit bhaiya raised a brow." Main bas keh raha hoon -jo bhi zyada chocolate wala hota hai...vhi sabse phele bikta hai....meri sunte kyu nhi sab."

Chachi laughed. "Kyuki saari chocolate tujhe hi kha Jani hai.."

We all burst into laughter just as familiar footsteps echoed in the hallway. Papa walked in, a soft smile on his face and something obviously on his mind.

" Sab log yahin ho, acha hai, " he said, settling into the chair." Mujhe ek zaroori baat batani hai."

I leaned forward. " Boliye papa."

He looked at all of us, clearly holding onto some good news. " Tumhari kusum bua ki beti -Naina. Uska rista pakka ho gya h.. Isi Tuesday ko aa rhe h ladke wale shaadi ki baate aage badhane ke liye."

Aashi bhabi gasped happily." Arey wah! Naina ka rista? That's amazing."

" Ye toh bahut achi kharab hai." Maa said.

" Yahi aayenge milne...tayari yhi hogi. Tum sab ready rehna," Papa said.

" Wow, this is so good!" I said, already picturing the decorations and a little buzz in the air.

Papa turned to Meera chachi. " Meera , Vikram ko bata dena...aur khena free rahe"

Chachi nodded. " Bilkul bhaiya, main bta dungi."

" Main prisha ke batati ho..voh khus ho jayegi..kitna maja aayega na." I said, before leaving for my room.

I was sitting on my bed, phone pressed to my ear as Prisha's voice cracked through the line.

" You will not believe this, Naina didi ka Rista pakka ho gya hai...aur ladke wale aane wale hai yaha Tuesday ko aage ki baat karne ke liye!" I said, with a smile.

" No way!" she gasped. " Are we officially in the wedding prep zone now!"

" Apparently, yes," I laughed. " Papa just told us. You better keep yourself free today...bua ji is coming jaldi se aaja."

" Okay done. Aati hu main kuch time mein..now I have to take a call. Catch you later." Prisha said

" Okay, jaldi aana." I hung up, still smiling when -buzz...my phone vibrated softly in my hand.

I glanced down. 1 new message -Abhimanyu.

My breath caught. Literally paused mid -air. I blinked at the screen like it was lying.

Abhimanyu. " Hi "

That's it. Just hi. Simple. Unexpected. And somehow it has my heart racing like I'd just sprinted up five floors.

I took a second before typing back. My fingers paused, just for a moment.

" Hi " I replied.

I hit send. A tiny smile tugged at my lips. What even was this?

Buzz...

" Actually, I wanted to ask...are you free tomorrow?" he asked.

I stared at the message for a second, my mind already running ahead. What's happening? My fingers hovered, then I typed slowly.

" Hmm...aapko kuch kaam tha?" I asked..

Buzz....

" Uh...um, I wanted to take you out- I mean...I need to buy a gift. For the wife of one of my friends. It's her birthday. And I don't know what a woman likes."

I bit my lips, trying not to smile too hard. Of course he didn't know. He's so formal, so guarded and now he was asking me to help him choose a gift?

" What about Avni or Trisha?" I typed.

A few seconds passed. Then his reply came. " Avni's caught up with college work. Trisha's going to a friend's party. So...they can't. If you don't mind...will you come? "

I looked at the message, my heart fluttering a little. The thought of going out with him -even if it was just shopping -sent tiny butterflies spiralling in my stomach. I swallowed.

" Hmm...okay " I replied, just that simple. But the moment felt far from simple.

Buzz...

Abhimanyu." Okay...then tell me where I should pick you up from?"

I smiled. " Near the tea stall by my home.. I'll send the location."

Abhimanyu. " Oh. Okay...then bye. Take care."

" Bye. You too." I locked my phone and placed it on my chest, letting out a long, slow breath.

For a moment, I just lay there on my bed-silent, my heart anything but calm. I could still hear his voice echoing in my ears, soft yet deep, laced with something that always made my breath catch.

Why does he affect me this much? I turned to my side, hugging the pillow close. I don't know how...or when it happened, but I've definitely fallen for him more than even words can explain.

Every time I talk to him, it's like my world quiets down,even if just for a few seconds. I swear, just one smile from him...and my heart starts racing like a mad thing.

I placed a hand over my fluttering chest and closed my eyes. It's like a million butterflies have made a home in my stomach. Stupid, I know. But it's real. It's him. Only him.

There's something so achingly beautiful about the way he makes me feel -seen, heard, understood. It's not in grand gestures. It's in the silence, the pauses, the softness of his voice when he says my name.

I had just stepped out with Aashi bhabhi to arrange some cushions when the doorbell rang.

Before papa could even say anything, I rushed toward the door with Prisha right behind me, already grinning...

And there they were -kusum bua , always wrapped in cotton saree... Naina didi, clutching her usual oversized tote and smiling a little shyly. Mohit, her younger brother with that forever charming grin and Avinas fufa ji, steady as always, calm eyes scanning everyone.

" Bua ji!" I hugged her tightly and she patted my back like she always did when I was little.

" Bas bas, abhi gala daba dogi kya? Kasi hai beta..humne suna jo hua tu theek hai na?" Bua ji asked, embracing me.

" Ha bua ji main bilkul theek hoon." I said with a gentle smile.

"Prisha beta tu bhi aa gayi..!" Bua ji hugged prisha.

Prisha. " Ab aap aao...aur aapka welcome karne ke liye main na hoon asa kaise ho sakta h bua ji."

We lead them inside where Papa, chachu, chachi , maa everyone is already waiting. The living room was buzzing with cushions and the scent of elaichi chai wafting from the dining side.

Everyone stood up to greet them warmly.

" Kusum didi, Avinas bhaiya, bahut dino baad." Maa smiled, offering kusum bua the best seat on the sofa.

Aashi bhabhi and Rachit bhaiya bowed to touch bua ji and Fufa ji's feet. " Namste bua ji , fufa ji "  they said.

" Namste  humesha khus raho." the elders blessed them, placing their hands on their heads.

Naina didi smiled as bhabhi , Prisha and I hugged her one by one. " You're glowing, more now" I told her honestly.

" Thank you." she said, her cheeks going pink.

" Aap toh full dulhan-nodd mein aa chuki ho abhi se." Prisha chimed in.

Naina didi giggled nervously while Mohit swooped in with his usual mischief. " love marriage jo hai.. Prisha didi aapko pata nhi h jabse rista pakka hua h..... didi ke cheeks pr se blush jaa hi nahi raha."

" OHOOOO, love marriage h toh ye." I said. Naina didi blushed more hard now.

Bhabhi. " Ye toh sone pe..suhaga ho gaya fir toh."

" Kon voh badnaseeb h jo...iss shurphanka ke bichhaye jaal mein fas gaya. Aisa kaise ho gaya? " Rachit bhaiya said, dramatically.

" Bhaiya!" Naina didi gasped, Meera chachi smacked bhaiya lightly. " Tujh jaise langoor ko bhi toh hoor ki pari..mil gyi naa, usi tarah."

We all laughed, the kind that rings off the walls. It felt.

Bhaiya. " Kya chachi ..aap meri beizzati karti rhti ho."

" Avinas ji aaiye bethiye. " Vikram chachu said. Once everyone had settled down with their chai and snacks.

Papa with a warm smile. " Badhai ho, Naina beta tumhe..or aap sabko bhi." he said.

" Thank you, mama ji." Naina didi said, a blush rising on her cheeks.

Meera chachi, always quick with curiosity, leaned in. " Waise didi, ladke ka naam kya hai? Aur family mein kaun-kaun hai?"

Bua ji smiled, brushing her pallu back. " Ladke ka naam Kunal hai. Dentist hai Naina ki tarf hi..iske sath hospital mein kaam karta hai. Vapi pe mulaqaat hui thi dono ki..aur phir pyar bhi"

I looked at Naina didi, blushed faintly and lowered her gaze. There was a quiet grace in the way she carried herself -her soft wheatish skin glowing under the warm lights, her hair tied in that usual low ponytail, and those expressive eyes that always said more than her words ever could.

" Aur family?" Maa piped up, curious. She was sitting on the carpet with a sketchpad half-forgotten beside her.

" Uske maa-baap toh bachpan mein..chale gaye the," bua ji said,voice softening. " Bas ek choti behan..aur uski behan jahan kaam karti h na voh log bhi...Kunal ne btaya ki un logo ne unki bahut madd ki family hi hai voh bhi. Aayege tab mil Lena sab."

" Acha, bahut ache log lagte hai" Papa said with a smile.

Bua ji nodded. " Ha, bus ab sab shi ho."

" Sab sahi hoga bua ji.. dekhna hum log hai na. Aap fikar mat kijiye." I said, with excitement.

_____

I was sitting on my bed, legs tucked under me, while Prisha sat on the other side, munching on chips like she owned the place.

" Mujhe tujhse kuch baat karni thi," I said, avoiding her eyes.

" Bata na," she said, eyes narrowing. " Kya hua?"

I sighed, twisting the edge of the cushion on my lap." Kal mujhe unke saath jaana hai.."

Prisha paused mid-bite." Unke saath? Kya matlab?"

" Woh... Abhimanyu, he asked for help. Kuch gift lena hai kisi ke liye and he asked me to come along." I tried to sound casual, but the way her brows shot up told me I'd failed miserably.

" Gift? Ya fir gift ke bahane date?" she raised her eyebrow.

I gave her a pointed look, though I could already feel the heat creeping up my neck. " Koi date-wate nahi hai. Bas help chaiye thi unhe isliye..bas."

She grinned." help chaiye? ya help karne wali?"

Before I could defend myself further, the door burst open and Rachit bhaiya , Bhabhi walked in, with Naina and Mohit following close behind.

" Kya baate ho rahi?" Bhabhi asked suspiciously.

Prisha didn't miss a beat." Madam date par jaa rahi hai..aapne unke sath." she said in a dramatic tone.

Rachit bhaiya raised a brow." Achha? Toh ab baat date tak pahuch gayi hai?"

" What a progress , Ana" bhabhi said with a smirk.

" Prisha!" I groaned, covering my face. " Bhaiya it's not a date? Unko gift lene the kisi ke liye..bas meri help chaiye thi."

Prisha smirked." Toh main chali jaati hoon, help toh main bhi kar Sakti hoon."

I glared at her." Koi zarurat nahi. Unhone mujhse poocha hai. Main hu jaungi."

Naina didi and Mohit exchanged a confusing look. " Are chal kya raha hai..hume bhi btao?" they asked.

Prisha leaned closer." Actually humari Ana ko pyaar ho gaya hai...aur mujhe lagta hai, doosri taraf bhi yahi haal hai."

My cheeks flamed." PRISHA!"

Mohit blinked." Wait wait wait...is this real? Ananya didi? For real?"

Naina didi gasped." Omg it's true? Ana kya baat hai"

They both looked at me expectantly." toh naam kya hai? Hume bhi milvao na?"

I shook my head quickly. " Nahi. Koi zarurat nahi. Unko toh kuch pata bhi nahi-"

" Acha toh naam kya hai..ye toh btao." Naina didi asked.

Prisha couldn't resist. " Ananya ke Abhi ji..." she sang dragging the last bit.

Everyone chuckled

.I smacked her arm instantly." Chup! Bahut ho gaya. chalo jao sab..mujhe kisi se baat nahi karni."

Mohit laughed. " Arey par-"

" Par kuch nahi. Jao!" I glared at all of them, though the small smile tugging at my lips betrayed me.

***************

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