11 | he scared of his wife
"Everyone fears Avyukt Vardan.
Unfortunately for him...
his wife doesn't." ??
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I woke up before sunrise.
For a few moments, I simply sat on the couch and looked at her sleeping peacefully on the bed.
Then I quietly stood up, placed the couch cushion back in its usual position, took my clothes from the closet, and walked into the bathroom.
After getting ready, I cleaned the bathroom completely.
Not because it was dirty.
Just because I didn't want my wife to feel uncomfortable.
By the time I stepped out, my mind was already back on yesterday's mess.
The problem wasn't that I had lost one of my richest investors.
Finding investors was easy.
What bothered me was something else.
How did that man even dare to look at my wife that way?
How dare he make a comment about her?
If I wanted to look at my wife during an entire meeting, nobody had the right to stop me.
But him?
He didn't even have the right to raise his eyes toward her.
I leaned against the balcony railing and closed my eyes.
I was still the same Avyukt Vardan everyone feared.
Cold.
Heartless.
Unapproachable.
The only difference was...
I had somehow left my heart with one person.
My wife.
And when it came to her, I wasn't sure what I was capable of anymore.
A few minutes later, I heard movement behind me.
Avantika was awake.
She walked to the closet, took her clothes, and disappeared into the bathroom.
When she came out, my thoughts completely stopped.
She was wearing a purple saree.
Her wet hair fell almost to her hips, and a few strands rested on her cheeks.
For one ridiculous second, I wished I could move them away myself.
She stood in front of the mirror adjusting her saree when suddenly there was a knock on the door.
I started walking toward it.
At the exact same moment, she rushed forward too.
And because my wife was unbelievably clumsy...
Her saree got caught under her foot.
She stumbled.
I caught her instantly.
Her forehead hit my chest.
And my heart forgot how to beat.
Unfortunately, life wasn't a movie.
She straightened herself immediately.
Then-
Smack.
She hit my arm.
I stared at her.
Completely shocked.
Nobody dared raise their voice at Avyukt Vardan.
Meanwhile, my wife had just slapped my arm without hesitation.
"Are you crazy?" she whispered. "Mom will see the pillow!"
I blinked.
Then finally understood.
The pillow was still lying edge of couch.
"Oh."
I quickly picked it up and placed it back.
Only then did I open the door.
Mom walked inside.
Her eyes moved from me to Avantika.
Then to the pillow.
Then back to us.
A smile slowly appeared on her face.
"At least try staying away from each other after getting ready in the morning."
Both of us froze.
Mom laughed.
"Beta, fix your saree."
Then she looked at me.
"And you should clean the lipstick mark from your shirt."
My hand immediately moved to my chest.
Lipstick?
Avantika's eyes widened.
"Maa, it's not what you're thinking. I-"
Mom waved her hand.
"Relax. Anyway, you both have to leave for the pagphere ceremony and then visit the temple afterward."
I barely heard the rest.
I was still staring at the lipstick mark.
Mom continued talking about clothes she had arranged.
Before she could accidentally reveal the truth, I interrupted.
"Okay, Maa. We'll get ready."
Thankfully, she left.
The moment the door closed, I looked at Avantika again.
And suddenly remembered how she'd hit my arm.
A smile escaped me.
Her first touch had stopped my heartbeat.
And her second one had nearly broken my dignity.
She noticed the lipstick stain and immediately looked guilty.
"I'm really sorry. I ruined your white shirt."
As I could answer, the door burst open.
Siya and Ruhi entered carrying dresses.
Both stay still.
Then their eyes landed on the lipstick mark.
"Oh my God..." Ruhi gasped dramatically.
Avantika's entire face turned red.
She immediately started explaining.
But nobody was listening.
"Di..." Siya said with the biggest teasing smile.
Ruhi had already taken out her phone.
"This deserves a picture."
"No!"
Avantika instantly stepped in front of me with both arms spread wide.
I nearly laughed.
"Come on, Bhabhi," Ruhi complained. "Move aside."
Siya nodded.
"Jiju, stand next to Didi."
Avantika turned and glared at me.
That one look was enough.
I stayed exactly where I was.
Not moving an inch.
Ruhi started recording.
"Oh wow. The great Avyukt Vardan is scared of his wife."
Siya immediately added, "I think Didi even hits him."
I nodded very seriously.
Both girls burst out laughing.
A second later, Avantika slowly turned toward me.
Her eyes narrowed.
I instantly put on the most innocent expression I could manage.
As if I had done absolutely nothing.
Ruhi finally stopped recording.
"Perfect. We now have photos and videos. These are definitely getting posted."
Everyone knew what Avantika's next move would be.
Before she could chase them, I subtly signaled Ruhi and Siya.
Both escaped immediately.
Avantika tried following them.
But couldn't.
Because my watch had accidentally gotten tangled in the edge of her saree.
She looked down.
Then at me.
Then back at the saree.
"When exactly did I hit you?" she demanded.
I raised an eyebrow.
"When did I say you did?"
Her eyes widened.
I almost laughed again.
Then I cleared my throat.
"I got the necklace and bangles made. Do you want to wear them today?"
Her expression softened slightly.
"I'll wear them."
"Good."
I picked up the jewelry box.
"Go get changed. I'll bring them from the study."
She nodded.
"Okay."
And disappeared into the bathroom.
Leaving her husband standing there smiling like an idiot.