Sonia, Aman, Gulfam and her friends were sitting on the living hall, behaving so oblivious. Avu glanced at her friends who waved at her but their smiles weren't reaching the heights of their usual craziness. And it made Avu scoff.

Avu- come on guys, I know you all want to ask so many things so why pretend that there's nothing different ?

She retorted and exhaled out a breathe and made herself comfortable beside Gulfam.

Aman- we can talk later Muskan, first have your favourite cookies. I've made this specially for you.

She jumped excitedly on her place, her eyes asking 'really', on which Aman nodded. She quickly rushed towards the kitchen and came back with the plate of cookies and grinned at them with her mouth stuffed with a cookie already.

Avu- hyu hab got yee bhst sklss
(you have got the best skills)

Her friends rolled their eyes when she talked gibberish with her mouth full while the elder trio chuckled on it.

The atmosphere in the room again changed when she kept the plate of cookies back on the table and dusted her hands together.

Soni- Muskan, what was in the newspaper ? You are dating that man ?

Her voice was strict and serious and the mother mode was on. Avu sat straight, her eyes on her lap and her fingers fiddled together.

Avu- Actually Sonia Maa, wo bas ek accident tha. I clumsily tripped over my own dress and we ended up like that.
(Actually Sonia Maa, this was just an accident. I clumsily tripped over my own dress and we ended up like that.)

She explained in one breathe and finally lifted her eyes to glance at everyone. They accepted her explanation but yet not satisfied by it. And their impassive faces were telling it all and that made nervousness flow in her nerves.

Ama- how do you know him ?

Avu- I bumped with hi..

Gulf- why are you still with him ?

Avu- I.. I.. I am kind of helping hi..

She stammered not having proper answers but again got interrupted.

Jai- why are you helping him ?

Avu- because he is helping me

She said and shot a frustrated look at Jai.

Ashn- what kind of help a insanely affluent man like him will need from you ?

Avu- it's just.. I..

Bhav- that's the point, why he will seek help from a stupid child?

Her head snapped in his direction and she glared at him with 'You've really changed after getting a girlfriend.' and started preparing all plans to kill him. And he tried to ignore her murderous gaze.

Avu- I'm not a child

She whinned throwing her hands in air, annoyance written all over her face.

Rim- that is not the topic here. Does this means you are staying with him ?

Like Reem, Avu too dismissed her words and just nodded her head curtly.

Jai- so tell us clearl..

Avu- it's just we had a deal that I've to play as his wi..

She stopped yelling as she realised what she was going to say. She mentally thanked her brain for working on right moment at least this time. Her mouth zipped while the other humans in the living hall were gaping at her with questioning eyes.

Soni- complete the sentence, Muskan

Boomed the stern voice of Sonia and Avu gulped. After her mother, Sonia was the mother figure for Avu. Though she is the one lead in the pampering of Avu yet when she come in her mother-mode, it leaves almost no chance of loophole to elope from.

Avu- I.. I.. I am acting as his girlfriend in front of his mom

She quickly blurt out whatever excuse first popped in head head. She was looking everywhere but directly into their eyes. They furrowed their eyebrows in dubiety.

Ama- and why so ?

Her face paled, sweats were coating her fisted palms. Their so many questions was growing her anxiety.

Ashn- from my research on him, it appears like he is not at all interested in women and is a very private person.

Ashnoor shrugged leaning on the sofa and Avu mentally thanked her to be her unknown saviour. But the very next moment something clicked in Avu's mind and she shot a look at Ashnoor.

Avu- you were stalking him ?

Her voice indulge with jealousy and eyes were narrowed and a frown was clearly visible on her eyebrows.

Ashn- no, after knowing that with whom our dear friend is, we had to have some information. And moreover you are with one of the most handsome and rich bachelor of the country. It's nothing like casual.

Avu sighed and an ohhh came out of her mouth.

Jai- wait a minute, what was with that tone ?

Avu- what tone huhh ?

She snapped.

Jai- are you jealous ?

Her eyes widen on Jai' s comment but she just tried to avoid it.

Gulf- Muskan you like him ?

Avu opened her mouth to answer but she doesn't have proper words. Rubbing her hands frustratedly on her face, she simply nodded.

Avu pov
It feels more than just liking but I am afraid of rejections.

Ohh Godd!

My mind went all woozy that I don't even paid proper attention on their further questions. And maybe they noticed my change in mood too that they simultaneously stopped asking more questions.

My mind went back to him. It's nothing new nowadays, whenever I'm not busy his thoughts conquer my mind.

And that man who don't like distractions have now become my biggest distraction.

Whereas in Sid's cabin, the atmosphere was thick and serious. The day was mostly entangled in handling calls from various media agencies and moreover the hectic meeting schedule of Sid too.

Riy- Mr. Nigam, we have finished talking with the management. And the news agencies are also sending one of their employee, soon we can interrogate him.

Riyaz told while keeping his phone back in his pocket. Sid remove his eyes from the laptop screen and glance at Riyaz and then hummed.

Sid- do we really need confirmation ?

Sid spoke, but this was more like a statement than a question. And Riyaz too knew the answer very well ans he shook his head mouthing 'No Sir'.

Sid too nodded his head and then sighed. Closing the laptop, he crouched against his chair and started massaging his temples with his thumb and forefinger.

Riyaz pov
There's something wrong. Mr. Nigam looks quite distracted. I've never seen him getting distracted during work. And I don't think sudden appearance of her father will leave that impact. There's something else.

Sid pov
What the hell is wrong with me ? I couldn't move my mind away from her and the kiss.

She kissed me. Why ? What made her take that step. I would have reciprocate to the kiss if Ahana wouldn't have interrupted all of a sudden. What made me do that ?

That sudden moment felt so different, but in a good way. It was igniting something new in my veins. Her presence is always electrifying and her proximity will surely be death to me.

My electric girl.

His thought heldback when his phone ringed and John appeared on the screen. Without waiting for another thought, he picked up the call. After exchanging few words he hanged up the call and moved his attention to Riyaz.

Sid- Riyaz

Avu pov
I sighed leaning against the seat of the car. I guess John is on a leave that's why Riyaz is here to pick me up.

But why can't he come ?

He must be busy, workaholic he is. Robot.

I closed my eyes and hugged my self and took a deep breath and his familiar scent entered in my nose.

After doing shopping with Ahana, I went back to the Mansion and changed into something comfy as I had to visit Sonia Maa and Aman Papa. And nothing can be comfier than his large tshirt, which I carried with black leggings and a cap.

Avu's outfit 👆🏻

I was lost in my thoughts which got impede when the car came to halt.

Did we arrive so early ?

I opened my eyes and scanned my surrounding. We are near a colony. And that's when I saw Anushka coming towards the car.

Seems like my ship have already started sailing.

She furrowed her brows when she noticed me. Ohh damn! Jealousy.

She tried to compose her expression while turning to the back door. And I swear the scene was so funny and I almost laughed but cover it up with cough.

I glanced at Riyaz who was pleading me through his eyes and it made me smirk. Quickly sliding the window, I peeked my head out.

Avu- heyy Anushka, sit here. I'm going at back.

And with that I unbuckled my seatbelt and moved to back seat without coming out of the car.

Anu- gosh Avneet, you are not a kid.

She scoffed but I just ignored her comment, and grinned gradually. After that silence covered inside.

Anu- Avneet, how you ended up with Mr. Nigam ? Weren't you the one who keep on crushing over boys with charming smiles.

She had to say this to break this suffocating silence. Like seriously!

I just tried to ignore her comment as prior and flashed a fake smile at her.

Anu- okay leave that, tell me you are going to bunk college till this topic get into corner box ? I mean anyone who knew you wore this gown might recognize the girl in the picture. And it is spreading like fire in the whole damn college.

Her words have a point and it's not like I didn't think about it. I knew that it will happen. I closed my eyes, resting my head on the seat and hummed in agreement.

Ain't I behaving like him ?

Anu- why don't you just give a clear statement that you guys have something for each other and you both are in relationship.

At her words, me and Riyaz exchanged a knowing look through the rare view mirror.

Only if things were that easy as she is thinking.

Only if we really had something for each other. I wish we had.

Within the next twenty minute, the car again stopped and this time it was at our college.

Avu- Why are we here ?

Anu- I've to return back a book to library. There's still an hour left before 8 o'clock when the library will be closed. I'm already two days late the librarian will probably kill me.

Avu- seems like Ms. Topper is getting clumsier nowadays

I smirked and she rolled her eyes tilting her head in my direction.

As I said before, we both are not in so friendly terms.

Riy- girls, don't get into any fight. I've work to take care of too.

Riyaz quickly reminded before we start bickering and I sighed shutting my mouth. And Anushka shot a deadly glare at him.

Anu- you know I already hate your insane schedule.

She retorted and stormed out of the car, but not before banging the door harshly. And it made me and Riyaz jump over our seats.

I glanced at Riyaz with a questioning look and he sighed.

Riy- she is pissed as I'm mostly busy and last night I left her alone in the ball to handle the media.

Damn! Poor boy. I already feel bad for him, for them.

Riy- can you please go with her ? Please.

I nodded and sighed making my way out of the car. By the time I reached Library, she was already done with the librarian.

Thank God! Even I wasn't in mood of any more drama.

Anu- what are you doing here ?

She said passing me and acting as though I randomly bumped into her and was not with her.

Avu- just wandering

I replied more like mocked her in the same tone as hers.

Prat- Avneet

Out of blue, Prateek called my name blocking mine and Anushka's way.

Prat- last time when I checked, you guys weren't friends

He asked arching his eyebrows and I saw Anushka having a look 'None of your business'.

Prat- I thought you liked me Avneet but I never knew you were with Siddharth. But it was already suspicious since you called that unknown guy a driver who was well dressed in a branded expensive tux.

The audacity man!

I shot him a look at that. And what's with calling him Siddharth. Huhh!

And yes it was the most lame excuse I've ever made. I called the hot driver a driver.

What the fuck I'm even saying.

Anu- you have the fucking ass guts to ask her in that way whereas last night I spotted you kissing Lisa.

From the tone of Anushka, it feels like she is going to pour all her anger over him.

And that's the audacity I mean. He rejected to go with me in ball so he can hook up with the popular bitch and now talking to me as if I've ditched him. Moron ass.

Avu- don't play that victim card over here Prateek. If I'm not saying anything that doesn't mean I'm not noticing around.

I gritted through my teeth and he smiled awkwardly. I shot a thanking look at Anushka, but I'm not a kid who need someone to argue for themselves.

Avu- and what's up with you from calling him Siddharth. Wo koi tumhare fufa ke bhateeje nahin hai, to naam ke saath ijjat jaroori hai.
(and what's up with you from calling him Siddharth. He is not your uncle's nephew so take his name with respect.)

I said in an authorised tone and he just nodded. His eyes were etched wide and he looked dumbfounded. While Anushka was giving me teasing looks which I especially ignored.

Exhaling out a breathe, we head back to the car.

When she walked inside the Mansion, everyone got shocked. She passed them a weak smile and just asked a maid to give her warm water.

Sid- how did that happen ?

She jumped on her spot when his voice boomed out of blue, and the cup of water fell from her hand shattering into pieces. She heard him muttering 'clumsy kiddo' under his breath on which she squinted her eyes and gave an apologetic look to the maid.

Sid- will you speak how did this happen ?

She looked at him, suprised by his tone as he was sounding angrier. The left side of her face was swollen and bruised and a cut on her forehead. Her lips quivered when he gently stroked her red cheeks and she whimpers.

Avu- unforeseen a truck appeared in front of us and Riyaz have to take a sharp turn and we ended up getting bruised

She explained and shrugged her shoulder like it's not a big deal. Sid gritted his teeth and mumbled 'this isn't going good' but she overheard it. A frown appeared on her face as she felt he is behaving differently.

Later he applied ointment on her swollen face. Till that Riyaz too came to talk with Sid. Vibha insisted him to have him dinner with them. She too got worried after she got enlightened about the just missed accident and thanked God for keeping them safe.

As soon they finished the supper, Sid and Riyaz ambulated to Sid's study without saying a word in front of anyone. Meanwhile she was nervous that how will she face him when they will be all alone in the room.

Rit- do you need something, dear ?

Rita asked as soon as she spotted Avu standing at the entrance of her room.

Avu- can I come in, Aunty ?

Rita was confused at Avu's sudden roll call yet invited her inside heartily.

Avu- Aunty can I please stay in your room for tonight ?

More than requesting, Avu was pleading. And this made Rita more confused and startled.

Avu- Aunty please

She adduced with pleading looks and Rita didn't know what to say. Nor she can deny her nor she can accept it as at the end she is his Boss's wife.

Rit- Mam, what should I..

Vib- Avneet

Both Rita and Avu turned back and found Vibha standing there.

Vib- kya hua beta ? Are you okay ? Kuchh chahiye tumhe ?
(what happened dear ? Are you okay ? Do you need something ?)

Vibha bombarded her questions getting all worried and Avu quickly shook her head to assure Vibha.

Vib- dear you are already hurt, you should get rest. Go and get yourself some sleep.

Her first line was concerned one and the last one was laced with the strict motherly tone which meant end of discussion. Not knowing how to argue, Avu just nodded her head.

Sid- Mom, Aunty. You guys are still awake.

He scolded entering the room and then his eyes scanned the ladies and before his eyes could meet her, she moved her eyes in another direction.

Sid- you both can gossip tomorrow for the whole day but now take your medicines and go for sleep.

He again scolded and both the ladies quickly nodded. Meanwhile I was admiring that how concerned he is for his mother and even for Rita Aunty.

Vib- you should first scold your dear girlfriend, she should be resting not wandering around.

Vibha pointed out and Avu smiled nervously and tried to ignore his gaze.
Without saying anything to her, he held her wrist and guided her to the room.

On entering the room, he left for the washroom. By the time he stepped out he found her already laying on the bed. She was sleeping at far edge of the bed and have rolled herself in half of the duvet.

Her eyes were closed but he knew she was just pretending to be asleep. He rolled his eyes on her childish acts and laid down on his side after turning off the lights.

Everything that happened till the date they got married started re-playing in his mind. He finally closed his eyes with the determined thought that what he is going to do next.

Chapter Word- 3013
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Have you also noticed that Sid's demeanour is different than usual ?

Your dearest author
~T.R