Dev and Ananya arrived at Dev’s house, where Karuna, Siddharth, and Avneet were eagerly waiting to welcome them. The house was brightly lit, and the atmosphere was festive. Karuna stood at the entrance with an aarti plate, while Siddharth placed a kalash full of rice at Ananya’s feet. Avneet held a plate filled with kumkum water, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Dev looked at Ananya, giving her a reassuring smile. She returned his smile, her nerves showing. Karuna, his mother, stepped forward and said gently, "Ananya, push the kalash gently with your foot and then step into the kumkum water."

Ananya did as she was instructed, pushing the kalash slowly with her foot. The rice spilled out, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. She then placed her right foot into the kumkum water, her heart pounding with the weight of the traditions she was now a part of.

Dev continued to hold her hand, a steadying presence. Sid and Avneet exchanged mischievous glances before stepping forward to lift Ananya’s lehenga slightly so she could move forward on the white cloth laid on the floor.

"Welcome to your new home, bhabhi," Sid said with a grin.

"Yeah, Bhabhi, let’s make this entrance memorable," Avneet added, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

After a few more rituals, Avneet and Sid escorted Ananya to her room. Dev, meanwhile, was pulled aside by his phone, an important call from his office demanding his attention.

Ananya sat in her new room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. The room was beautifully decorated, with soft, warm lighting and a large bed covered in rose petals. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

A while later, Dev approached the room’s entrance, only to find Sid and Avneet standing guard, their expressions mischievous.

Sighing, Dev asked, "Avu, has your Siddharth quit his job to become a watchman in his own house now?"

Sid smirked and replied, "Well, you’ll be pleased to know that nothing of that sort happened because you can't do anything without me. Forget the watchman, just hand over the 'nek,' or you’ll be sleeping on the couch tonight. In your own house."

Avneet giggled and added, twisting his fingers playfully, "Especially tonight, Bhai. It’s a special night, after all."

Dev made a puppy face and said, "Avu, you should be on my side at least. Sid is bound to become Bhabhi’s ka chamchaa from now on."

Avneet grinned childishly, "Bhai, from tomorrow I promise to be on your side. But tonight, this is my right."

Dev sighed, pulling out his wallet, intending to extract a card, but Sid snatched the entire wallet and started running. "Stop!" Dev shouted, but Sid was already halfway down the hall.

Avneet chuckled, "Don’t worry, Bhai. You didn’t tell him your PIN, so he’ll only get the cash in your wallet. That’s good, right?"

Dev groaned, "The problem is he knows the PINs to all my cards."

Avneet giggled harder, "Well, that’s even better then. Bye, Bhai!" She, too, ran off.

Patting his head in exasperation, Dev smiled and entered the room, locking the door behind him. He bent down to remove his shoes but froze as he noticed drops of blood on the floor. His heart pounded as he followed the trail, finding Ananya clutching her hand in pain, blood flowing from a deep cut.

He rushed to her, taking her hand gently, "Ananya, what happened? How did this happen?" His voice was filled with worry.

Ananya stammered through her tears, "I... I was cutting an apple, and I slipped. But why are you crying?"

Dev’s eyes welled up as he said protectively, "When your heart is hurt, I feel the pain too."

Ananya’s eyes filled with more tears as she looked at him. Dev continued, now more suspicious, "Cutting an apple this late at night? Didn’t you have dinner? And how did you get such a deep cut?"

Nervously, Ananya replied, "I just felt like eating an apple. Can’t I even eat an apple now?"

Dev sighed, "No, Ananya, it’s not that. But you need to be careful. Let me call Avneet to help with the dressing."

Ananya nodded. Dev went to call Avneet, who rushed in with worry written all over her face. "Ananya, what happened?" she asked, concerned lacing her voice.

Ananya explained, feeling embarrassed about her accident. Avneet felt pity and helped with the dressing while Dev changed his clothes.

After Avneet left, wishing them good night, Dev set up pillows for Ananya. They both lay down, but Ananya broke the silence, "I’m sorry, Dev. Because of me, our first... I mean, special night is ruined."

Dev smiled gently, "As long as you’re with me, every night is special. I told you before, your comfort matters the most to me. Now sleep, you must be tired from handling that heavy lehenga all day."

Ananya laid down, and Dev turned off the lights. She was on the left side of the bed while Dev was on the right. However, Dev noticed Ananya tossing and turning, holding her head with her left hand as her right hand was injured.

He reached out, holding her left hand. "Come here," he gestured.

Ananya gulped nervously but moved closer. He smiled, placing her head on his lap and gently caressing her hair, massaging her scalp. Ananya smiled with teary eyes, feeling the comfort and love.

Khamoshiyaan bhi jal uthegi, dil mein aise baat aaye, 
Raatein humne dekhi kitni, tab sanam yeh raat aayi.
Chaand mera ho gaya, ab dar nahi sansaar se, 
Ab haq hai mere nazron ko, ki chu loon tujhe pyaar se.
Itni haseen yeh raat hai, tum bhi khoye, main bhi khoya, 
Aaj main hi aasmaan hoon, jiske godh mein hai chaand soya.

Soon, he too drifted into a deep slumber, as the new morning awaited them with its twists and turns.

---

Ananya stirred awake to find herself nestled on Dev's lap. She blinked, momentarily disoriented, before glancing up at his serene expression. With a start, she extricated herself from his embrace and hurried to the washroom. The day unfolded in a blur of customary rituals, including her muh dikhaye, where she received heartfelt blessings from all.

In the ensuing days, Ananya found herself cocooned in happiness, with Dev tending to her every need, no matter how trivial. From dressing her hand injury with meticulous care to ensuring she was comfortably fed, Dev's attentiveness was unwavering. Karuna Ji, too, played a nurturing role, assisting Ananya in every step of her recovery.

Grateful for the warmth of a loving mother, a caring husband, and a doting younger brother in Sid, Ananya felt a profound sense of fulfillment. Her longing for sibling affection, which Sid tenderly fulfilled, momentarily eclipsed her initial motives.

As her hand healed completely, Ananya often found solace by the window, folding clothes while her hair swayed gently in the breeze. One afternoon, she gasped as Dev enveloped her from behind, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. Brushing a few strands of hair away from her ear, he whispered, "Get ready, Mrs. Joshi. We're going out for dinner."

Ananya nodded, feeling his warm breath on her neck, reminding her of his caring concern during her injury. Turning to face her, Dev examined her hand with a gentle smile. "Ananya, it's healed now. You can ask me or anyone else for apples, bananas, strawberries, or guavas. Just take care not to strain it too much; I can imagine how painful that cut must have been."

Agreeing with a nod, Ananya's mind briefly flashed to her initial plan. "I endured that pain to keep my distance from you that night, but being near you now has forged a deeper bond," she silently admitted.

Dev's snap of fingers brought Ananya back from her reverie. "Don't worry, I'll get ready," she reassured him.

With a smile, Dev excused himself to Sid's room to prepare, seeking Karuna Ji's permission before arranging for their transportation.

In the parking area, Dev awaited Ananya's arrival. When she emerged, dressed in a knee-length black gown paired with round earrings and a diamond bracelet gifted by Dev, her open hair cascading down her shoulders, she looked stunning. The sparkle of her engagement ring and the delicate touch of vermilion in her hair accentuated her allure, leaving Dev momentarily spellbound.

Drawing her close, he held her waist and gently pinned her against the car. With a tender gesture, he kissed her forehead, whispering, "You look heavenly gorgeous."

Ananya blushed, averting her gaze shyly. Dev gently lifted her chin, his eyes locked onto hers. "Ananya, let's cancel our dinner plans. We could have a delightful evening together in our bedroom," he suggested, his voice filled with affection.

Caught off guard, Ananya's cheeks flushed with warmth. Sensing her discomfort, Dev quickly corrected himself, scratching his head nervously. "I... I mean, let's get in the car," he amended, chuckling softly.

Hurrying into the car, Ananya settled in as Dev started the engine. An awkward silence enveloped them, interrupted only by Sid's unexpected phone call through the car's Bluetooth.

Halting abruptly in mid-conversation with Sid, Dev made a sudden turn, diverting from their planned route. Ananya, perplexed by Dev's serious demeanor, couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong, Dev? Why do you seem so tense?"

Dev remained silent, parking the car in a deserted street. He turned to Ananya with a solemn expression. "Ananya, stay in the car. Don't step out," he instructed firmly.

Curiosity gnawed at her, but Ananya obeyed, watching from a distance as Dev approached a scene where Sid was holding a man, clearly in distress. As Dev drew nearer, Sid forcefully pushed the man toward him, a grim smile playing on his lips.

Seizing the man by his collar, Dev's voice hardened into a menacing tone. "Did you think you could betray me, Dev Joshi? Did you believe you could leak confidential information from my own company without consequences? You know, you don't fear death right. Dev Joshi is synonymous with death. I don't fear it, Nor did you ever able be because you'll never deceive Dev Joshi again. Your name will be erased from existence."

With a nod from Sid, Dev was handed a silenced gun. Ananya and the man both pleaded for mercy, the man desperately invoking his family's well-being.

"You should have thought about that earlier," Dev remarked coldly before pulling the trigger, ending the man's life instantly. Ananya recoiled in shock, taking a step back. Sid noticed her distress and murmured softly, "Bhabhi."

Turning to face her, Dev's expression mirrored her stunned realization. Sighing heavily, he instructed Sid, "Bury him, and ensure every trace of his existence is wiped clean today."

Sid nodded gravely. "I'll take care of it. You go, and take care of Bhabhi."

---