Published on:- 9/3/24 [Saturday]
...

With her fragile hand tightly held in his grasp, he summoned the courage to take that first tentative step after what felt like an eternity confined to the bed.

Each movement was laced with determination and an unwavering commitment to progress.

His breathing labored but fear was no longer disturbing him as It was replaced by a newfound sense of hope and possibility.

However, Suddenly, his leg trembled and he was about to tumble towards the ground.

A surge of panic gripped his heart.

However, in the nick of time, Tarana quickly reflexed as her steady hands reached out to catch him just before he fell.

Her arms snaked around his thin waist and all of his body was on her strength.

She lifted her eyes.

He cast his gaze down.

In that silent exchange, a myriad of emotions danced between them and the unspoken words hung heavy in the air.

His long fringe covered his forehead and stuck with the sweat.

An unidentified awkwardness fell into the atmosphere.

"Are you alright?", Tarana's voice cut through the tension.

Her eyes held a world of care and compassion for him. Avyaan's hand tightened its grip on her shoulder.

With a reassuring frown, he nodded his head.

"Move", Avyaan's commanding tone echoed as she immediately left him and took a few steps back from him.

Avyaan again started to own journey to cover the distance from the bed to the main entrance.

His once-cracked bones were now mended, and wounds and cuts nearly healed as he found himself on the path to recovery.

Each passing day brought a renewed sense of strength and vitality. As he looked ahead, the scars served as reminders of his endurance and the unwavering spirit that guided him through the darkest of times of death and alive.

While thinking about the accident, his eyes unknowingly landed on Tarana who was quietly standing there, looking at him.

"I have hundreds of questions to ask you. Remember this", Avyaan spoke as his declaration hung in the air and a palpable tension simmered between them as Tarana met his gaze.

Tarah was aware that the day he returned to his world, the first thing Avyaan would likely delve into every aspect of her life and engagements during his absence.

At this moment, Avyaan was like a wounded tiger who was waiting and giving time to his prey to enjoy freedom before pounding over it, snapping its neck, and devouring it.

***

At KHANNA Mansion:-

Nilay pursed his lips softly and asked in a soft tone, "Dad! But for what?".

"For your marriage", Neil said and his words dropped on Nilay's heart like a bomb.

Suddenly, Nilay's expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief as the weight of Neil's words hung heavy in the air and left Nilay stunned.

Nilay's lips parted slightly and his eyes widened as if trying to comprehend the gravity of the statement.

His mind raced as he searched for words to encapsulate the whirlwind of emotions crashing within him.

Neil watched his son's reaction closely as his own heart was heavy with the weight of his delivered words. He braced himself for Nilay's response, uncertain of how his words would be received.

As the silence stretched between them, Neil could see the turmoil churning within Nilay's eyes. He waited for his son to break the quiet with whatever words or emotions lay behind his stunned expression.

Finally, Nilay found his voice as he spoke, "Marriage?".

With a slight tremble, he repeated the word which carried a mixture of confusion, surprise, and perhaps a hint of apprehension. It was as if his entire world had suddenly been turned upside down, and he struggled to grasp the reality of his father's unexpected declaration.

Neil nodded his head solemnly as his gaze met his son's with a mixture of empathy and resolve.

"Yes, Nilay, for your marriage. It's time for you to start thinking about your future, about building a life with your family", Neil replied softly.

Nilay's mind raced as he was trying to process his father's words. He felt a whirlwind of emotions - surprise, uncertainty, and a touch of fear.

Marriage seemed like such a monumental step, one he hadn't even considered yet. Second, the look, he found in his father's eyes, he knew that he would not run away now.

Neil reached out, placing a comforting hand on Nilay's shoulder.

"I know it's a lot to take in but I believe in you, son. You have so much love and strength to offer someone, and I want to see you happy.", Neil's voice was gentle as a spring breeze.

There was a softness in his voice and a warmth that conveyed his unconditional support for his son.

Nilay felt a surge of gratitude and reassurance wash over him at his father's words. Taking a deep breath, he nodded slowly, the weight of the moment beginning to settle into something he could contemplate.

"Thank you, Dad", Nilay said softly, his voice tinged with emotion.

"I... I'll think about it", With a tentative smile, Nilay looked up at his father, silently acknowledging the trust and love that lay between them.

Neil returned his son's smile, a sense of pride swelling within him at Nilay's resilience and maturity.

"That's all I ask, son", Neil replied, his voice filled with affection.

"Just take your time, and know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what", Neil said, and with a final squeeze of Nilay's shoulder, he offered a reassuring nod, silently reaffirming their bond as father and son.

Nilay nodded back at his father, feeling a surge of determination welling up within him.

As they shared a quiet moment of understanding, Nilay felt a glimmer of hope igniting within him, lighting the way forward into the unknown.

"Check the picture and tell me your thoughts about her. I like her. She is the daughter of the owner of 'DONE' bank", Neil said, his hand pushing an envelope towards Nilay.

Nilay's eyes trembled slightly. With a pounding heart, he took the envelope in his hand

While having a gentle smile on his lips, his wavering emotions made him uncomfortable.

Suddenly he asked, "Where is Mom?".

As he did not find his mother in the home.

Neil's eyes lit up with love, replying to him, "She went out shopping".

Nilay stood there, his gentle smile masking the storm of emotions raging within.

Nilay tightened his grip on the envelope.

Suddenly, a familiar ring of his phone jolted Nilay out of his thoughts, his heart skipping a beat as he glanced at the caller ID—his mother's number illuminated the screen.

He glanced at his father who was standing close to him, looking at the phone screen.

With a deep breath, Nilay answered the call, "Hello! Mom" and then he awaited his mother's response.

On the other end of the line, Nilay's mother's voice sounded hurried and her tone carried a mix of panic and anxiousness, "Nili Baby", Aashmaan called him softly.

Both father and son could catch the uneven breath of Aashmaan.

"Mom! Is everything alright? Are you fine?", Nilay's voice trembled with worry.

Suddenly, his mother burst into tears, leaving both men in a puzzle and panicking.

"Love! Baby! Aashmaan! What happened? Where's Vyom?", Neil's voice filled with a mixture of fear and urgency.

Nilay's heart clenched with worry as he waited for his mother's response.

"Hello".

The sudden change in voice on the other end of the line caught Nilay off guard, his heart skipping a beat as he listened intently.

When Vyom's voice replaced his mother's, a surge of relief washed over him.

"Vyom! Why is mom crying? Is she hurt?", Nilay asked the bodyguard.

On the other hand, Vyom looked at Aashmaan who was sobbing softly while shaking her head guilty.

"Boss! Sir. Madam is fine", Vyom's words made them take a deep relieved breath.

But it was quickly replaced by a new wave of concern at the mention of a named 'Divita'.

"It's just that Miss Divita is missing now", Vyom finished speaking and his words echoed through the phone.

Each syllable carried a weight of urgency that sent shivers down Nilay's spine.

....

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