4300+ words

Esase zyaada tujhe aur kitana kareeb lau mai,
 ki tujhe dil mein rakh kar bhi mera dil nahi bharata.
 teri mohabbat se maine ek baat sikhi hai,
 tere saath ke bagair ye duniya phiki hai.

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Ashwin's pov:

As I roused from my slumber, my mind immediately raced to the safety of my family in Mumbai. The recent turmoil and unrest had left me on edge, and the need to ensure their well-being consumed my thoughts. Fumbling for my phone in the dim light of dawn, I began a series of frantic attempts to reach Viyaan, my brother, who I trusted to keep me informed about the situation back home.

With each failed call, my anxiety mounted, gnawing at the edges of my composure. The weight of uncertainty bore down on me heavily, and a sense of dread threatened to overpower my rational thoughts. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as I persevered in my attempts to establish contact, my heart pounding with each unanswered ring.

Finally, a surge of relief washed over me as Anshika's familiar voice greeted me through the phone. Despite the grogginess in her tone, her presence offered a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. "Hello?" she murmured sleepily, her voice a lifeline amidst the chaos of my thoughts.

"It's me, your husband," I responded urgently, my words infused with a mixture of concern and impatience.

Anshika's response was laced with confusion, her sleep-addled mind struggling to comprehend the urgency in my tone. "Husband who?" she queried, her tone soft and muddled with drowsiness.

Exasperation crept into my voice as I reiterated my identity, the tension of the situation amplifying my impatience. "Main Ashwin bol raha hu! Phone kyun nahi utha rahi thi? (I am Ashwin! Why weren't you recieving up the phone call?)" I pressed, my frustration palpable.

Anshika's explanation, though delivered with characteristic nonchalance, provided some measure of reassurance. "Vo, main kisi kaam se soori thi, (well, I was sleeping )," she offered, her words punctuated by a sleepy yawn.

Suppressing a sigh of frustration, I refocused my attention on the matter at hand. "Viyaan kaha hai? (Where's viyaan?) " I inquired urgently, my concern for my brother eclipsing any annoyance I felt towards Anshika's casual demeanor.

Anshika's response was swift and matter-of-fact, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to my own frantic state. "Apne room mein so raha hoga. Ab mujhe bhi sone de. Bye, (Must be sleeping in his room. Now let me sleep too.) " she concluded, bringing our conversation to an abrupt end.

As the call ended and I set my phone aside, a wave of relief washed over me, momentarily dispelling the cloud of anxiety that had gripped me. Despite the frustration of the conversation and the lingering uncertainty about the situation in Mumbai, knowing that both Anshika and Viyaan were safe provided a measure of solace.

In that fleeting moment of respite, I allowed myself to exhale a sigh of relief, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly as the weight of worry lifted, if only for a moment. The knowledge that my loved ones were unharmed offered a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, a reminder that amidst the storms of life, there remained pockets of calm and reassurance.

Despite the momentary relief I felt knowing that Anshika and Viyaan were safe, I couldn't help but acknowledge the disconnect between my thoughts and my feelings. While I had referred to Anshika as my "loved one," the truth remained that my emotions toward her were, at best, neutral.

It was a realization that gave me pause, prompting me to reflect on the complexities of our relationship and the intricacies of human emotion. Despite our marital bond, there was a distinct absence of deeper affection or attachment on my part, a fact that lingered in the back of my mind like an unresolved question.

In the wake of that phone call, a subtle shift occurred within me, one that I couldn't quite articulate but felt nonetheless. It was as if a dormant part of my consciousness had been stirred, nudging me to acknowledge the significance of Anshika's presence in my life.

As I navigated through the routines of the day, my thoughts often wandered back to that brief exchange with Anshika. Her sleepy voice, tinged with a hint of warmth and familiarity, lingered in my mind, challenging the walls of indifference I had erected around my emotions.

At work, I found myself grappling with distractions, my mind drifting back to the memory of Anshika's voice. In moments of solitude, I allowed myself to replay our conversation, savoring the simplicity of our interaction and the unexpected comfort it brought.

Yet, even as I acknowledged the fleeting sense of relief I felt upon hearing that Anshika and Viyaan were safe, I remained wary of delving too deeply into the emotions that stirred within me. Years of conditioning had taught me to prioritize logic over sentiment, to maintain a facade of stoicism even in the face of uncertainty.

But try as I might to suppress them, my feelings for Anshika continued to linger, a persistent undercurrent beneath the surface of my consciousness. In the quiet moments before sleep claimed me, I found myself wrestling with conflicting emotions, torn between the desire to maintain control and the longing for something more.

It was a battle I fought silently, shielded from prying eyes by the veneer of composure I wore like armor. Yet, deep down, I knew that I couldn't outrun the truth forever. Anshika had managed to breach the defenses I had carefully constructed around my heart, leaving me vulnerable in her wake.

Anshika's pov:

That phone call from Ashwin early in the morning was unexpected yet oddly comforting. Despite being groggy from sleep, hearing his voice brought a sense of reassurance, a reminder of the bond that tied us together, whether or not we acknowledged it.

In my drowsy state, I initially struggled to comprehend who was calling, but when Ashwin's voice finally registered, I couldn't help but chuckle at his frustration. His abruptness was both amusing and endearing, a glimpse into the complexities of our relationship.

When he questioned my whereabouts, I couldn't resist teasing him in return, feigning ignorance just to rile him up. It was a small act of rebellion, a playful reminder that despite our differences, we shared a connection that transcended words.

As our conversation unfolded, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment at Ashwin's terse replies. It was clear that he was preoccupied, his mind likely consumed by thoughts of his family's safety back in Mumbai.

But even as I empathized with his concerns, I couldn't shake the feeling of frustration that simmered beneath the surface. Despite my attempts to reach out, Ashwin remained distant, his guardedness a constant barrier between us.

As we bid each other goodbye, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the brevity of our interaction. In that fleeting moment, I longed for more, a deeper connection that transcended the barriers of distance and indifference.

But as I returned to the quiet solitude of my room, I found solace in the knowledge that despite our differences, Ashwin and I were bound by something greater than ourselves. And as I drifted back to sleep, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us, uncertain yet filled with promise.

after the phone call with Ashwin, I lay awake for a while, thoughts swirling in my mind like a tempestuous sea. The conversation had left me feeling a mix of emotions - a strange blend of relief, frustration, and a tinge of sadness.

Despite my attempts to brush it off, the encounter lingered in my thoughts, the memory of Ashwin's voice echoing in my mind. It was a reminder of the delicate balance that defined our relationship - a connection that seemed to fluctuate between warmth and distance, intimacy and detachment.

As I lay there in the quiet darkness, I couldn't help but reflect on the complexities of our dynamic. On one hand, there was a part of me that yearned for a deeper connection with Ashwin, a desire to bridge the gap that separated us and forge a bond based on mutual understanding and respect.

But on the other hand, there was a lingering sense of resignation, a recognition of the barriers that stood between us. Despite my efforts to reach out, Ashwin remained elusive, his walls seemingly impenetrable, leaving me to navigate the murky waters of our relationship with uncertainty and trepidation.

In the stillness of the night, I found myself grappling with conflicting emotions - a longing for closeness tempered by the fear of rejection, a desire for connection overshadowed by the weight of past disappointments.

"Nevermind, He is akdu (stubborn) after all,... My akdu (stubborn)" 

I finally drifted to sleep. 

Next morning...

As the morning sun cast its golden rays through the window, I woke up feeling refreshed yet contemplative. The events of the previous day lingered in my mind, like fragments of a half-remembered dream, begging to be pieced together.

With a sense of determination, I rose from bed and embarked on my morning routine, the familiar tasks providing a comforting rhythm to start the day. As I made my way downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, a welcome invitation to the day ahead.

Entering the kitchen, I found Viyaan already preparing breakfast, his cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to the somber thoughts that clouded my mind. I greeted him with a smile, grateful for his presence and the sense of normalcy he brought with him.

As we sat down to breakfast, the conversation flowed easily between us, a mixture of light-hearted banter and genuine camaraderie. Viyaan's easygoing nature helped to dispel the lingering tension from the previous day, his infectious laughter a balm to my troubled soul.

Viyaan's teasing brought a playful smile to my lips, a welcome distraction from the weight of my thoughts. His words echoed with a hint of mischief, teasing me about my newfound solitude in the absence of Ashwin.

"Looks like someone enjoyed their beauty sleep without the boss around," Viyaan remarked with a playful glint in his eyes. "Must be nice to have the bed all to yourself for a change."

I chuckled in response, grateful for his lighthearted banter amidst the somber atmosphere that had settled over the house in Ashwin's absence. Despite the underlying tension, Viyaan's jovial demeanor helped to lighten the mood, infusing the room with a sense of warmth and camaraderie.

"Yeah, it's definitely been a while since I've had the bed all to myself," I replied, unable to suppress a wistful smile. "But I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder, right?"

Viyaan's laughter filled the room, a cheerful melody that chased away the shadows of uncertainty that lingered in the corners of my mind. In that moment, I couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence and the sense of normalcy he brought with him.

As we shared a hearty breakfast together, the teasing continued, each playful jibe serving as a reminder of the bond that united us as family. And though Ashwin's absence loomed large in the room, his spirit seemed to linger in the laughter and camaraderie that filled the air.

But beneath the surface, a nagging sense of unease still lingered, a reminder of the unresolved issues that simmered beneath the facade of normalcy. As much as I tried to push them aside, they continued to gnaw at the edges of my consciousness, refusing to be ignored.

Viyaan and I exchanged cheerful greetings with each member of the family as they made their way downstairs, each one adding to the lively atmosphere with their presence.

"Good morning, Dadu!" Viyaan exclaimed with a bright smile as our grandfather descended the stairs, his wise eyes twinkling with affection.

"Morning, Bua," I added with a polite nod, acknowledging her with a respectful smile despite the lingering tension between us.

One by one, the rest of the family joined us in the dining area, their voices blending together in a symphony of familiar greetings and friendly banter. It was a comforting sight, the familiar faces of those I held dear coming together to share in the simple joy of a new day.

As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air and the clinking of utensils echoed softly in the background, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the moments of peace and togetherness that we shared as a family. But someone's absence was actually killing me.

"Someone's is missing her husband" said viyaan in his playful voice luckily I only could hear that. I hitted his arm and told him to stop as I was blusing so hard.

As Viyaan's playful teasing filled the air, I couldn't help but feel a blush creeping up my cheeks at his words. Ignoring his remark, I tried to focus on the conversation as Dadu mentioned a video call with Ashwin. My heart skipped a beat at the thought of facing him, but before I could protest, Viyaan had already dialed his number, and the familiar ringtone echoed through the room. 

"Hello?" Ashwin's voice came through the phone, filled with warmth and familiarity, yet distant enough to remind me of the divide between us.

"Hey, Ashwin," Dadu greeted him warmly, and the rest of the family followed suit, exchanging pleasantries and catching up on the latest news.

Dadu settled into his favorite armchair, a thoughtful expression on his face as he regarded Ashwin. "So, Ashwin, tell me, how's everything going in London?"

Ashwin hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. "It's been challenging, Dadu. The meetings have been intense, and there's a lot riding on this trip."

Dadu nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I understand. But remember, Ashwin, you're capable of handling whatever comes your way. You've proven yourself time and time again."

Ashwin felt a surge of gratitude for Dadu's unwavering confidence in him. "Thanks, Dadu. I'll do my best to make you proud."

Dadu smiled warmly. "I have no doubt about that, Ashwin. Just remember to take care of yourself too. Your well-being is just as important as your work."

Ashwin nodded, his resolve strengthening. "I will, Dadu. And don't worry, I'll keep you updated on how things are going."

The rest of the family chimed in with their own greetings, eager to catch up with Ashwin and fill him in on the latest happenings back home. Viyaan, ever the joker, couldn't resist cracking a few jokes at my expense, eliciting a chuckle from Ashwin and a playful swat from me in return.

 Viyaan couldn't resist injecting his trademark humor into the mix, even through the medium of the phone call. His voice carried a playful tone as he interjected with witty remarks and teasing comments, aiming to elicit reactions from both Ashwin and me.

"Hey there, Mr. Londoner! Missing the Mumbai madness yet?" Viyaan's voice crackled through the phone, his tone tinged with playful sarcasm.

Ashwin chuckled on the other end, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Not at all, Viyaan. London has its own brand of chaos, you know."

Viyaan seized the opportunity to ramp up the banter, his words flowing effortlessly. "Sure, sure! But admit it, nothing compares to the chaos back home. Especially with Anshika keeping things lively."

I rolled my eyes at Viyaan's teasing, shooting him a playful glare before focusing back on the conversation. Despite his antics, there was an unmistakable warmth in Viyaan's words, a reminder of the bond we shared as siblings.

As Viyaan's teasing persisted, I couldn't help but laugh at his relentless antics, the sound echoing through the kitchen.

"Come on, Viyaan, give it a rest," I retorted, trying to stifle my amusement.

But Viyaan was undeterred, his voice laced with mock innocence. "What? Just stating the truth, bhabhi. Can't blame a guy for missing his brother's witty banter, can you?"

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head in mock exasperation. "You're incorrigible, Viyaan. But I suppose I should be grateful for the entertainment."

Viyaan's laughter filled the air, a contagious sound that brought a smile to my lips despite myself. "See, bhabhi? I knew you secretly enjoyed my company."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his audacity, a warmth spreading through me at the familiarity of our playful banter. Despite his teasing, there was an underlying affection in Viyaan's words, a reminder of the bond we shared as siblings.

Viyaan got up and went to kitchen I don't know why.

I followed him of course.

"Alright, enough chit-chat," Viyaan declared, his tone suddenly serious. "Let's get to the real reason for this call. How's London treating you, bhai?"

I could hear Ashwin's chuckle on the other end of the line. "London's London, Viyaan. Busy streets, bustling crowds, and endless meetings. You know the drill."

Viyaan's voice turned sympathetic. "Must be tough being away from home for so long, especially with all the drama going on here."

Ashwin's response was laced with a hint of resignation. "It's not easy, but it's all part of the job, I suppose. And besides, I've got you guys holding down the fort back home, right?"

Viyaan's tone brightened. "Of course, bhai. We've got everything under control here. And Anshika is doing a great job managing things in your absence."

I felt a surge of pride at Viyaan's words, grateful for his unwavering support. "Thanks, Viyaan," I replied, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I'm sure Anshika is doing a fantastic job. She's always been reliable like that."

Viyaan's response was quick and teasing. "Oh, she's more than just reliable, bhabhi. She's practically running the show over here."

Viyaan asked "What about him...!" 

Ashwin said "take care of everything there! no matters what don't leave anshika for even a second or tell her brother to take care of her in her office.! and also take care of our family as well Viyaan! This time he is planning something big!"

Viyaan wasn't convinced. "of course bhai ... Come on, bhai, don't give me that. I can tell something's bothering you. Is it the whole Vikram Mehra situation? Or is there something else?"

Ashwin sighed audibly, his guard dropping just a fraction. "It's... complicated, Viyaan. But yeah, Vikram's presence there has definitely thrown a wrench into things."

Viyaan's concern was palpable. "Do you need me to do anything? I can look into it from here, see if there's anything we can do to help."

Ashwin shook his head, even though Viyaan couldn't see it. "No, it's alright. I'll handle it. Just keep an eye on things back home for me, alright?"

Ashwin added "take care of everything there! no matters what don't leave anshika for even a second or tell her brother to take care of her in her office.! and also take care of our family as well Viyaan! This time he is planning something big!"

Viyaan nodded, his expression serious. "Of course, bhai. You focus on what you need to do there, and we'll take care of things here. We've got your back, always."

Viyaan's voice broke through the tension, lightening the mood once again.

"So, when are you coming back, bhai? Anshika's already counting down the days until your return."

Ashwin couldn't help but smile at Viyaan's attempt to change the subject. "Tell her I'll be back before she knows it. Just need to wrap up a few things here, and then I'll be on the first flight home."

Viyaan chuckled. "Sounds good, bhai. We'll be waiting for you. Take care of yourself over there, alright?"

"Will do, Viyaan. And thanks, for everything."

Viyaan noticed me and just nodded and asked me to come out and have a talk.

"Bhai talk to bhabhi..!!" Viyaan handed me phone and went to dining hall.

Author's pov:

As Anshika took the phone from Viyaan, her heart fluttered with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. She brought the device to her ear, trying to steady her voice as she greeted Ashwin.

"Hello?" Her voice came out softer than usual, betraying her nervousness.

"Hey," came Ashwin's familiar voice, infused with a hint of surprise and warmth.

"Hi, How's everything there?" Anshika replied, her heart pounding in her chest.

There was a brief pause, filled with the crackle of the connection and the sound of their breathing.

"I'm good, just busy with meetings and all," Ashwin replied, his tone carrying a hint of weariness.

Anshika nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "I can imagine. London must be quite hectic."

"Yeah, it's been non-stop since I got here," Ashwin admitted, sounding a bit drained.

Anshika wanted to lighten the mood, so she teased gently, "Well, don't forget to take breaks and enjoy the sights. You don't want to miss out on the London experience."

Ashwin chuckled, the sound bringing a smile to Anshika's face. "I'll try my best. How's everything back home?"

"Everything's fine here," Anshika reassured him. "Viyaan's been keeping everyone entertained with his antics."

Ashwin laughed, the sound easing the distance between them. "I can only imagine. Tell him to behave himself."

Anshika giggled. "I'll pass on the message."

"How's everyone over there?" Ashwin asked, breaking the silence.

Anshika glanced around the bustling kitchen, trying to find the right words. "Um, everything's fine here. Just the usual morning rush," she replied, her nerves evident in her voice.

Ashwin chuckled softly. "Sounds chaotic. I don't miss those hectic mornings."

Anshika smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie in their shared experiences. "Yeah, it can get pretty crazy sometimes."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, exchanging updates about their days and reminiscing about home. Anshika found herself relaxing into the familiarity of their banter, her worries momentarily forgotten.

"Hey, Ashwin," she said suddenly, her voice tinged with sincerity.

"Yeah?" he responded, attentive to her tone.

"I just wanted to say... take care of yourself, okay? And don't worry about us here. We'll manage just fine," Anshika said, her words filled with genuine concern.

There was a brief pause on the other end before Ashwin's voice came through, soft and grateful. "Thanks, Anshika. I appreciate that. And... take care of yourself too."

Anshika felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, a sense of connection blossoming between them despite the distance. "I will. And Ashwin?"

"Yeah?"

"Come back soon," she said softly, her heart skipping a beat at the vulnerability in her own words.

A smile tugged at the corners of Ashwin's lips. "I will. I promise."

As Anshika took the phone from Viyaan, she felt a rush of nervousness mixed with anticipation. She brought the device to her ear, trying to compose herself as she heard Ashwin's voice on the other end.

"Hello?" Her voice was tentative, betraying the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her.

"Hi Anshika," came Ashwin's warm greeting, instantly calming her nerves.

Anshika smiled, relieved to hear his familiar voice. "Hey Ashwin, how are you?"

"I'm good, just busy with meetings and all," Ashwin replied, his tone carrying a hint of weariness.

Anshika nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "I can imagine. London must be quite hectic."

"Yeah, it's been non-stop since I got here," Ashwin admitted, sounding a bit drained.

Anshika wanted to lighten the mood, so she teased gently, "Well, don't forget to take breaks and enjoy the sights. You don't want to miss out on the London experience."

Ashwin chuckled, the sound bringing a smile to Anshika's face. "I'll try my best. How's everything back home?"

"Everything's fine here," Anshika reassured him. "Viyaan's been keeping everyone entertained with his antics."

Ashwin laughed, the sound easing the distance between them. "I can only imagine. Tell him to behave himself."

Anshika giggled. "I'll pass on the message."

Their conversation flowed easily, punctuated by shared laughter and genuine concern for each other's well-being. Anshika found herself opening up to Ashwin, sharing details about her day and the little moments that made her smile.

As the conversation between Ashwin and Anshika progressed, Viyaan couldn't resist adding his own playful commentary in the background as he came back from dining hall.

"Anshika, ask him if he's been behaving himself over there," Viyaan interjected mischievously, his voice barely containing a hint of laughter.

Anshika rolled her eyes playfully, knowing exactly where Viyaan was going with this. "Ashwin, Viyaan wants to know if you're causing trouble in London."

Ashwin chuckled on the other end of the line. "Tell Viyaan not to worry. I'm on my best behavior."

Viyaan wasn't about to let Ashwin off the hook that easily. "Sure, sure. That's what they all say. But we know better, don't we, Anshika?"

Anshika couldn't help but laugh at Viyaan's teasing. "Oh, absolutely. Ashwin's always up to something."

Ashwin feigned offense, his voice mockingly indignant. "Hey, I'll have you know I'm a model citizen when I'm abroad."

Viyaan snickered, clearly enjoying himself. "Yeah, a model citizen of mischief, maybe."

Anshika couldn't resist teasing Ashwin a little further. "So, Ashwin, are you missing home yet? Or are you too busy causing chaos in London?"

Ashwin laughed, his voice tinged with amusement. "Oh, you know me, Anshika. I'm always causing chaos, no matter where I am."

Viyaan chimed in, adding fuel to the fire. "Yeah, just make sure you don't cause an international incident over there, Ashwin. We don't need any diplomatic incidents on our hands."

Anshika joined in the teasing with a playful tone. "Oh, don't worry, Viyaan. If anyone can handle Ashwin's antics, it's the people of London."

Ashwin couldn't help but chuckle at the banter. "You two are too much. But don't worry, I promise to behave myself... most of the time."

Viyaan laughed. "That's the spirit! Just don't forget to bring us back some souvenirs, alright?"

Anshika nodded in agreement. "Yes, we expect some proper London gifts, none of those cheap keychains and fridge magnets."

Ashwin grinned, feeling a warmth in his heart at the playful exchange. "Alright, alright. I'll see what I can do. But only if you promise to behave while I'm away."

Anshika and Viyaan nodded.

As their call drew to a close, Anshika felt a pang of reluctance to hang up. "Well, Weshould let you get back to your meetings. Take care, Ashwin."

"You too, Anshika and Viyaan!," Ashwin replied, his voice soft. 

With a sense of contentment lingering in the air, they said their goodbyes, the connection slowly fading as Anshika handed the phone back to Viyaan. As she walked away, she couldn't help but smile, grateful for the brief but meaningful connection she shared with Ashwin, even across the miles.

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Heya lovies:

26th Chapter! After 8-10 days I guess :) that's why a huge chapter :) Don't beat me up guys ...!!!
I hope you all liked it! give lots of love and support love ya all!...
And something is wrong isn't it?
Well finally a part better than those teasing one I guess
Do give lot's of love guys please! I will appreciate that...!!!
I am lazy writing this to be honest!
And I don't know how many chapters it will take :)
They both are only supporting and something changed guysss finally!!!

T-T

Yayyyy Yayyy Partyyy partyyy yeah!!!
Pray for my mind guys

Your little author:
Ashi ;)