Chapter - 41
Siya looked at me, her big, innocent eyes filled with confusion.
"Aarav, how did I get to our room?" she asked.
I stared at her, not knowing what to say.
She really didn't remember?
This afternoon, she confessed to me... she called me Avi.It was the first time she expressed her feelings, even if it was under the effect of bhang. But now, she had forgotten our beautiful moment.
How could she forget?
I was lost in my thoughts when she called my name again.
"Aarav?"
I snapped out of it and studied her face carefully.
"You don't remember anything?"
She shook her head, her brows knitting together. "No."
So, she had forgotten even the name she gave me?
My fingers curled into fists for a moment before I forced myself to relax.
It's okay.
At least I know what she feels for me. And now... I'll make sure she says it again—this time, in her senses.
I leaned back and asked, "What's the last thing you remember?"
She thought for a moment, biting her lip, before answering. "I remember drinking thandai with Arjun bhaiya and Anaya."
A smirk formed on my lips. "Oh, thandai?" I raised an eyebrow. "Was there bhang in it?"
Her eyes widened. "I... I don't know. If I knew, I wouldn't have drunk it!"
I watched as panic settled in her features. She started overthinking, just like she always did.
"Oh my God... did I do something embarrassing? Aarav, did I—did I say anything I shouldn't have?" Her voice trembled.
Tears pooled in her eyes. "What if I embarrassed you? What if—"
Before she could say anything worse, I pulled her into my arms.
"Sss... angel, why do you always start crying?" I whispered, rubbing her back gently. "You didn't do anything. Don't worry."
She gripped my shirt tightly, hiding her face in my chest.
I sighed, resting my chin on her head. "You just came to study room, then we came to our room, and you slept."
I wasn't going to tell her the truth—not right now. She already looked so worried. I couldn't see her breaking down over something that was supposed to be a moment for us.
She pulled back slightly and looked at me with teary eyes. "Are you sure?"
I wiped a tear from her cheek. "Yes. And even if you did something, you could never embarrass me, Siya baby."
Her eyes widened. "Baby?"
And in that moment, I saw it.
That flicker in her gaze. The tiny hitch in her breath.
The realization.
The memories came rushing back to her.
I smirked. "Oh, so you remember?"
She blinked rapidly, her lips parting slightly, then—just like that—she schooled her expression. Her face softened into pure innocence as she tilted her head.
"Remember what?"
I narrowed my eyes. My innocent angel is playing with me?
Fine. Then why should I stay behind?
I leaned in slightly, tilting my head. "You know exactly what I'm talking about, Siya baby."
She shook her head quickly, her expression pure and sweet. "I don't know what you're saying, Aarav."
I let out a low chuckle. Oh, she wants to act innocent?
Alright, let's remind her.
I cupped her face, my thumb brushing against her cheek as I tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze.
"It's okay. I'll remind you."
I leaned closer, my lips just near her ear, and repeated her own words—exactly the way she had said them.
"Mujhe aap acchi lagne lagi hain, Angel." ("I have started liking you, Angel")
Her breath hitched.
Her cheeks turned a deep shade of red.
And just like that—my angel was trapped.
Before I could say anything else, she suddenly hid in my chest, wrapping her arms around me.
I smirked.
"Oh? Are we shy now, Angel?" I teased, wrapping my arms around her.
She didn't say a word, just tightened her grip on me, hiding even more.
I chuckled softly. "So you won't reply to me?"
She just held me tighter, refusing to move.
I let out a dramatic sigh. "Okay, if you won't reply, at least call me by the name you used before."
Silence.
I pulled back slightly, cupping her face in my hands. My voice softened.
"Please... I'm dying to hear it from you."
She blinked, her lips parting slightly. I could see the hesitation in her eyes, the way she was overthinking.
And then, finally, in the smallest, softest voice—
"A... Avi."
A slow smile spread across my lips.
Without another word, I pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, letting my lips linger for a moment longer than necessary.
I cupped her face, my thumbs gently brushing her cheeks.
"Siya baby, now say it again."
She pouted. "I already said it."
I smirked. "You whispered it. That doesn't count."
She hesitated for a second, then softly said, "Avi."
A warmth spread through my chest. My angel had no idea what she had just done to me.
I let out a deep breath and grinned. "I'm so happy today. What should I do? Should I throw a party?"
She blinked at me, confusion clear in her eyes. "But... There was a Holi party at home today. And you don't like parties anyway."
I chuckled. "That's a point. Cancel the party."
I tilted my head. "You tell me, what should I do? Or... what do you want to do?"
She thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up. "Can we go for ice cream with Anaya and Arjun bhaiya?"
My smirk faded slightly.
Ice cream was fine... but why did she want to take them along?
This was our moment.
But then, first—I couldn't say no to her. And second—I was too happy to argue.
"Fine." I nodded.
But Arjun wasn't getting away so easily. He should have stopped Anaya from giving Siya bhang.
I'd scold them both—just a little. Anaya was still a child, but Arjun? He was responsible. He should have known better.
For now, I let it go.
We continued eating, talking about random things. I didn't tease her anymore.
I knew if I did, she'd go completely silent again, lost in her own thoughts.
And right now, I just wanted to enjoy my angel's presence.
~~~~~~~
I still don't know why I let these two creatures tag along.
Siya was happily chatting with Anaya and Arjun, laughing at something they said. I had already taken their class—okay, fine, I scolded Anaya just a little and Arjun a lot. He should have known better. But Siya, being Siya, forgave them instantly.
We reached the ice cream parlour. I ordered for everyone—Vanilla Chocolate for Siya, Hazelnut Chocolate for Arjun, and Strawberry Cheesecake for Anaya.
And, like always, I didn't order for myself. I knew Siya would share with me.
The moment the ice cream arrived, Arjun turned to Siya with a grin. "Siya Bhabhi, taste mine. It's really good."
I stiffened. What?
Siya, being too polite for her own good, took a small spoonful and tasted it. "Hmm... it's really nice, Arjun bhaiya."
My jaw clenched.
Then she smiled and said, "Arjun bhaiya, you should try mine too—"
Before she could even lift the spoon to him, I leaned in and ate the bite myself.
Siya gasped, her lips parting in shock. Arjun froze mid-motion.
I licked my lips, acting as if nothing happened. "Hmm... not bad. But I like it better when you feed me, Angel."
Siya's eyes widened. Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink as she gripped her cup tighter, probably resisting the urge to say something.
Anaya giggled. "Ohooo, bhai, so possessive."
I raised a brow. "What? My wife was offering a bite—why should I let anyone else have it?" My gaze shifted to Arjun, who looked like he wanted to disappear.
"And you, Arjun—just focus on your ice cream, not on my wife's."
Arjun quickly looked down at his bowl, suddenly very interested in his ice cream.
Siya, on the other hand, turned even redder, fidgeting with her spoon as she avoided looking at me.
I smirked, taking another slow bite from her cup. She was mine, after all.
I carefully adjusted my dupatta, making sure it was draped perfectly over my peach Anarkali suit. The golden embroidery shimmered softly under the light.
Three days had passed since the Holi party.
Anaya had already left for London. I missed her. Spending time with her made me understand what having a sister truly felt like. She was so full of life, so carefree.
Tara Bhabhi also treated me like a sister, but we never got the chance to spend much time together.
And then... there was him.
I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks warm at the thought. Aarav.
The Holi incident replayed in my mind. The way I had confessed so many things. The way he listened, the way he didn't let me feel embarrassed.
He likes me.
Even now, it felt unbelievable. That someone like him—so strong, so powerful—could like me. Could treat me like I mattered.
Could treat me like a queen.
After that day, something between us changed. We grew closer. Emotionally. I felt it in the way he looked at me, the way he spoke to me, the way he cared.
But there's one thing he never brought up—what I said about never playing Holi. Maybe... maybe he thought I said it under the effect of bhang. Or maybe he just didn't want to ask.
I sighed, shaking my head. Maybe it was for the best.
I glanced at my reflection one last time, making sure I was ready.
Then, taking a deep breath, I stepped out of my room and headed downstairs, straight to the kitchen.
Maa and Chachi were already there, preparing breakfast. Without a word, I joined them, helping with whatever I could.
Aarav had gone out for some work earlier, but he had messaged me that he would be back in time for breakfast. As always, he kept his word.
Once I was free, I wiped my hands and stepped outside to call him. But before I could even dial his number—
He walked in.
His sharp gaze met mine, and for a second, my heart skipped a beat. Even without saying a word, he always had this effect on me.
We ate together, surrounded by family, and everything felt warm. Comfortable.
After breakfast, I was about to go back to my room when someone walked in and informed us, "Ranisa's Bhai and Bhabhi have arrived."
My eyes widened in excitement. Bhai and Bhabhi are here?
Before I could stop myself, I ran to the living room.
"Bhai!" I called out happily, rushing straight into his arms.
He hugged me back with a warm smile. "Siya baccha!"
Turning to Bhabhi, I hugged her too. I missed them so much.
Soon, everyone gathered in the living room. Dadimaa smiled at Bhai and said, "You didn't come for the Holi party."
Bhai sighed, looking guilty. "I know, Dadimaa. I'm really sorry. Things were hectic, but I promise, next time I won't miss it."
She shook her head with a small smile. "It's okay. You're here now, that's what matters."
Maa asked them to have breakfast, but Bhabhi smiled and said, "We already ate before coming."
After spending some time talking, everyone slowly left to do their work.
Just then, Aarav turned to Bhai and said, "I need to discuss something related to business. Come with me to the study room."
Bhai nodded, and they both walked away.
I sat down next to Tara Bhabhi, who gave me a knowing smile.
"So, how's married life treating you?" she teased.
I felt my cheeks heat up. What was I supposed to say?
I lowered my gaze, playing with the edge of my dupatta. "It's... good."
Bhabhi chuckled. "Just good?"
I bit my lip, not knowing how to explain everything I felt. How do I even put into words what Aarav makes me feel?
She smiled and patted my hand. "Don't worry, Siya. You don't have to say anything. It's written all over your face."
I blinked at her, confused. "What is?"
"The way you look at Mr. Rathore," she said with a wink.
My face turned even redder, and I looked away.
Bhabhi laughed. I really enjoyed talking to her, and just like that, our conversation began.
I walked into the study room with Mr. Rajput.
Taking my seat behind the desk, I leaned back, watching him as he settled into the chair opposite me.
I didn't waste time. "Is Siya the only child of her parents?"
He looked slightly confused but nodded. "Yes. Why are you asking Mr. Rathore?"
I didn't answer. Instead, I asked another question.
"Was Siya with her parents when the accident happened?"
Mr. Rajput shook his head. "No, she wasn't with them." He hesitated for a second before adding, "But... she also had an accident that same day. Just in a different place."
I stilled. Different place?
My mind started racing. Something wasn't right.
"Where?" I asked, my voice calm but firm.
"She was on her way to a birthday party with the driver. That's when the accident happened. Dad found her in a hospital the next day."
A hospital?
My jaw clenched. My mind was running too fast, connecting pieces that didn't fit.
"Which hospital?" I asked.
"I don't know," he admitted. "I wasn't there. I was staying at my maternal grandmother's house. My parents left me with her because she was alone at that time. I only came home after a year."
His words only added more pieces to the puzzle—a puzzle that made no sense.
Two accidents. Same day. Different places.
Too many questions. No answers.
Who was behind the accident? Was it really just a coincidence? Or was Siya's accident planned too?
And then—who was the child with Siya's parents when the accident happened?
Nothing made sense.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. I needed answers, not assumptions.
Looking straight at Mr. Rajput, I spoke in a cold, firm tone. "Don't mention this conversation to anyone."
He gave me a confused look but nodded.
"And one more thing—"
I stepped closer, my voice dropping dangerously low. "You can meet your sister here or anywhere outside... but never take her to Rajput House."
I let the warning sink in before finishing,
"Or be ready for the consequences."
His face paled. He understood the warning.
Good.
A few days ago, a girl came to my house to meet me.
She asked my father if I was home and told him that we used to go to tuition together in 10th grade.
I met her, talked to her for 5-10 minutes, but.
..I don't remember her at all. ?? If she hadn't told my father about the tuition, I wouldn't have recognized her even after talking to her.
And even then, I still couldn't recall her name.
How does this even happen?
I made a huge mistake. I agreed to help my cousin sister with her B.Ed.
assignment. And now, when I finally checked, it turns out to be more than 100 pages—that too in Hindi!
?? And the worst part? I have to finish it by the first week of April.
Why, God, why? Why do I always take so much burden on myself? ??