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Athiya woke up first on the next day and found Rahul was cutely sleeping. She caressed his hair. She put his head on the pillow and tried to free her hand but he started mumbling.

Rahul (stammering in sleep): N.. no.. no.. pl.. ple.. please don.. don't lea.. leave me..

Athiya caressed his hair to which he again fell asleep. She gently freed her hand and went to freshen up. She got ready and then went to Rahul who was still sleeping. She caressed his hair once and then went downstairs. She saw all have woken up and Virat was pacing here and there in the hall.

Mahi: Cheeku shant ho jao..

Virat: How Bhai? Na Rah niche aaya hai na Tia. Mujhe.. mujhe dar lag raha hai Bhai.. Already Rah pata nahi kitna kuchh andar daba ke rakhta hai aur kal to..

Rohit: Their breakdown was needed Vi..

Virat: I know Ro lekin you saw na Rah was stammering. He is hurt Ro. Tia ke liye he will stay strong lekin he is breaking from inside. Mahesh uncle was not just a family friend or his father's best friend.. He was his God Father Ro. The person who has supported him throughout his cricketing journey.. Mahesh uncle ne Lokesh uncle ko manaya tha ki Rah ko professional cricket persue karne de. It's not easy for him too.

Athiya got tears in her eyes but she composed herself.

Virat: Mujhe Tia ki bhi fikr ho rahi hai. Uss bachchi ne aaj tak Rah ko aise pareshan nahi dekha.. hell usne usko kabhi aise nahi dekha.. uss bichari ko to yeh bhi nahi pata hoga ki Rah stammers when he gets hyper, scared, overwhelmed and when he is not able to handle his emotions. Uper se dar lag raha hai ki kahi Rah uncle aunty ki wajah se Tia pe frustration na nikal de. Woh already yaha itni comfortable nahi hai uper se agar usne kuchh Aisa waisa bol diya to kisko bolne jayegi..

Hearing all this, Athiya felt really blessed and tears fell from her eyes.

Athiya: Mere itne sare Bhai aur bhabhi hai.. unko bolungi agar apke Rah ne kuchh aisa waisa bol diya to

All looked at her with surprised expression.

Virat: Tia.. I mean.. Athiya woh to main..

Rohit: Haan Vi to bas aise hi..

Mahi: Athiya woh hum log terrace pe hi the kal jab.. sorry.. we didn't mean to intrude..

Athiya: Relax Bhaiya.. And thank you meri aur Rahul ki itni chinta karne ke liye. Sach kahu to mana ki aap logo ke sath thi itne dino se.. comfortable bhi thi lekin apke rishte ki depth shayad nahi samaj payi thi.. Aaj samaj chuki hoon. Rahul and I are seriously very lucky to have you all in our lives. And you all can call me Tia..

All smiled at her. She went to Virat. He started looking here and there.

Athiya: Rahul abhi so rahe hai. Aap jao aur Jake dekh lo unko ek baar. Apke dil ko tasalli mil jayegi

Virat: I am sorry. I really didn't want to intrude in your and Rahul's personal matter

Athiya: Phir to agar kal ko Vami ka koi matter hoga to Main ya Rahul kuchh nahi bol payenge na

Virat: Kyu? Pura haq hai tum dono ka

Athiya: Apka bhi to pura haq hai na Rahul pe. I have seen your love and care for him bhaiya.. Unme aur Vami me kabhi koi fark karte hue nahi dekha Maine apko aur bhabhi ko..

Tears fell from her eyes.

Athiya: Aur sach kahu to.. mujhe to pata bhi nahi tha ki main uss pariwaar ka hissa hoon.. bilkul waise jaise Rahul hai

Anu came to her and cupped her face.

Anu: You are just like Rah to us. You were always part of family Tia and you will always be

Ritz came to her.

Ritz: And don't you dare think you are alone. Hope you get that..

Athiya nodded in yes. Ritz and Anu both hugged her from each side.

Rohit: Aye both of you.. stop making my sister emotional now.

Shubhi: Exactly.. bhabhi haste hue achchhi lagti hai

Harry: Athiya.. you know we should pair up together. Hum dono milke Rah ko pareshan karenge

Virat: Jo karna hai kar lena lekin abhi nahi..

The atmosphere which was becoming lighter again fell heavy. Athiya looked at Virat.

Athiya: Aap kis baat se pareshan hai?

Virat sighed. He looked at Anu.

Anu: Tia actually.. kal Lokesh uncle and Aunty ka call tha tum log niche Gaye na uske baad. Maine unko sab bataya. Woh log tumko leke thode zyada hi tensed the and unhone Rah ko chance hi nahi diya apni side explain karne ka. Plus they were already quite pissed with his roaming around with his other friends to unko laga woh tumhe neglect kar raha hai and all.

Virat: Rah is..

Athiya: Hurt..

She completed. Virat nodded in yes.

Virat: Bahut zyada.

Athiya: Maine kabhi nahi socha tha ki meri wajah se..

Mahi: No Tia.. Don't.. isme tumhari koi galati nahi hai. Rah is hurt because they were not trusting him and not talking to him properly.. they were almost commanding him for doing things without even asking his wish.. his thoughts.. he just wanted them to listen to him nothing else. Ek baar baat ho jayegi uski shanti se he will be fine

Virat: Lekin he won't at least not at the moment. Uske face se pata chal raha tha.

Sakshi: Cheeku.. aisa kuchh nahi hoga.

Athiya: He is right bhabhi.. Rahul bahut pareshan ho gaye the kal. Mujhe bhi nahi lagta woh abhi baat karne ke liye ready hai

There was a tensed silence for a while.

Athiya: Sakshi Bhabhi.. aap ek baar Rahul ko dekh lijiye. Unki back me kal rat ko bhi swelling thi. Maine massage to karke diya tha lekin aap dekh lete to..

Sakshi: Achchha theek hai. Ek kam karo usko utha hi do aur bolo ready ho jaye. Phir main check kar lungi aur woh Breakfast bhi kar lega sab ke sath.

Athiya nodded in yes and went to their room.

Ritz: Did she say she massaged?

Anu (happily): Yes...

Anu: And Rah allowed?

Ritz (happily): Yes..

Anu & Ritz: OMG

They both hugged each other.

Virat: Chillax ladies. Itna khush hone ki zarurat nahi hai.

Rohit: Exactly.. He is Rah. Achchhe khase bane banaye kam ko bigadne me expert.

Harry: Yes.. we won't stop until we succeed.

All looked at him.

Harry: I mean succeed in.. in you know what I mean..

All chuckled but agreed.

Rahul woke up but found himself alone in the room. The events of yesterday came rushing to his mind. Tears collected in his eyes but he composed himself. Athiya came and saw him trying to get up on his own.

Athiya: Rahul.. rukiye.. main madad karti hoon

She ran to him and helped him in getting up from the bed.

Athiya: Aap ready ho jao phir bhabhi back check kar degi.

Rahul nodded in yes and went to get freshen up without a word with her. She didn't press him more. Rahul came out of washroom after freshening up and found Athiya has already done bedding again. He went to bed and sat on the bed. Soon enough everyone came there and found him lost in his thoughts.

Virat: Good morning Rah..

Rahul gave him a small smile.

Anu: Rah.. how are you feeling now? Back kaisi hai?

Rahul nodded in yes.

All were getting worried for him looking at his pale face, red eyes and most importantly with his silence.

Sakshi: Rah.. main back check kar leti hoon.

Rahul lifted up his T-shirt. Back was having swelling but it has reduced compared to yesterday. She applied the balm and massaged his back. Now she was applying balm at the lower back. Luckily Rahul didn't feel dizzy today and it was a good sign. He was recovering. Sakshi put the T-shirt down.

Sakshi: Ho Gaya

Rahul nodded in yes.

Mahi: Achchha chalo sab breakfast kar lete hai..

Athiya: Aur Rahul dekhiye breakfast me apka favourite hai. Dosa and Coffee. Maine banaya hai apko pasand hai na.

Rahul gave her a small smile and nodded in yes.

Athiya: Chaliye taste kijiye aur bataiye kaisa bana hai

Rahul: Man.. nahi hai

Athiya: Are aise kaise.. Achchha theek hai ek Dosa and coffee. Phir apko Medicine bhi Leni hai na back pain ke liye.. Please only one Dosa..

She tore a morsel and forwarded to his mouth.. He looked at her for few moments and then opened his mouth. She started feeding him with Dosa. Rest all too started with their Breakfast. Once done, Athiya gave him the medicine and he took it. All tried to make him speak but he was not talking much.

Virat: Rah.. let's go out in fresh air.. what's say?

Rahul: Nahi bhaiya.. abhi medicine Li na.. neend aa rahi hai. Main rest kar leta hoon

Saying so he layed down on the bed and turned to other side backfacing Virat. Virat caressed his hair while rest all left from there giving them privacy thinking Rahul will open upto him. Rahul was trying to cover him with comforter but his hand was not reaching and getting up on his own was making him wince in pain as his back was still having swelling.

Virat: Ruko Rah.. main cover kar deta hoon okay.

Virat covered him with comforter. He again caressed his hair.

Virat: Kya baat hai bachcha? Apne bhaiya ko bhi nahi bataoge ?

Rahul closed his eyes tightly. He clutched the comforter too tightly. Virat noticed it and frowned. He put his hand on Rahul's shoulder to which he flinched but instantly got calmed too. 

Virat: Rah.. I am with you bachcha. Kya ho gaya hai batao to beta...

Rahul didn't say anything. Virat looked at him only to find him sleeping. Though he was not sure whether he was actually sleeping or was just pretending. He sighed and went from there. He came downstairs and sat on the sofa burrying his face in his palms.

Mahi: Kya hua Cheeku?

Virat: He is not letting me in Bhai.. Mujse bhi chhupa raha hai

All got tensed.

Virat: Tia..

Athiya: Ji..

Virat: Tum ek baar baat karke dekho na. Woh tumse shayad share kar de

Athiya: Bhaiya aapse share nahi kar rahe to mujse to kya hi karenge

Sakshi came to her and hold her mangalsutra.

Sakshi: Tia.. yeh sirf ek jewellery nahi hai. Isme na bahut takat hoti hai. Tumhare aur Rah ke rishte ki shuruaat chahe kaisi bhi rahi ho lekin you are his family. Someone who is his only.. someone on whom he has full right.. someone who belongs only to him. Ek alag sa apnapan hota hai isme. Aur jis tarah se kal he was able to show his vulnerability to you, kya pata aaj bhi jo baat usko pareshan kar rahi hai woh share kar de

Athiya nodded in yes and went to their room. She came inside and was shocked to see Rahul's body was shaking badly. She ran to him

Athiya: Rahul..

She was shocked to see him silently sobbing hard hiding his face in the pillow. She sat on the bed and caressed his hair.

Athiya (lovingly): Rahul..

Rahul looked at her. She shook her head in no and wiped his tears gently. He kept his head in her lap hiding his face completely and continued crying. Athiya was rubbing his back and caressing his hair.

Athiya (lovingly): Rahul.. bas baba.. bas.. aap beemar pad jaoge..

He was still sobbing.

Athiya (lovingly): Kya baat hai?

Rahul (sobbing & stammering): I.. I.. I.. I am.. am.. mm.. sca.. sca.. scar.. scared..

Athiya made the hug tighter.

Athiya (lovingly): Bas Rahul.. bas.. kuchh nahi hai. Sab sahi hai Rahul.

She made him have some sips of water. She gently wiped his tears and cupped his face.

Athiya (lovingly): Kis baat ka dar Rahul? Sab sahi to hai.. apke sare Bhai yahi hai.. bhabhi aur bachche bhi ghar pe hi hai. Aur Maa and Dad..

She stopped as she felt Rahul held her hand tightly. She remembered yesterday's conversation of Rahul's side. She closed her eyes tightly and internally cursed herself. She should have guessed it earlier. At the end, even he is a human too. Rahul's sobs broke her trance. She again wiped his tears but she felt his cheeks warmer this time. She frowned and quickly checked his neck and forehead and found he was developing fever.

Athiya: Rahul.. bas na baba. Bukhar  Chad Raha hai aapko.. Aise hi rote rahe to aur badh jayega. Bas na please..

Though his sobs slightly reduced but she knew it won't subside easily.

Athiya (lovingly): Rahul.. Maa aur Dad se baat karoge?

Rahul shook his head in no.

Athiya: Nahi??

Rahul looked at her and nodded in yes. Athiya gently wiped his tears again and helped him in sitting on the bed. She video called Rajeshwari. She picked it up in second ring.

Rajeshwari: Tia .. Rahul..

Lokesh who was sitting on the other sofa came and sat beside her on the same sofa so that he too can see his children.

Lokesh: Rahul.. why are you crying? What happened baba?

Rahul hid his face in Athiya's neck while again breaking down into tears. Athiya held him lovingly. Lokesh and Rajeshwari could see how much comfortable they both have become with each other. Their son was never been like this.. he never hugs someone formally.. he always hugs either when it came out naturally to him or he thinks he can be vulnerable in front of that person.

Athiya: Maa... Dad kal aap logo ne jaise behave Kiya inke sath woh sahi nahi tha. Aapne inko apni baat tak nahi rakhne di. Apko pata hai yeh kitna dar gaye the apka call itni raat ko aaya yeh dekh ke. Dad was already under weather from past two days aise me apka rat ke 12:30 ko call ana.. kitna dar gaye the yeh. Bas apke muh se ek baar sunna chahte the ki aap log theek ho. Aur rahi meri baat to yeh mera bahut achchhe se dhyan rakhte hai. Meri har zaroorat puri karte hai.. hamesha meri izzat karte hai. Aap log please meri chinta karne me inko neglect mat karo.

Rajeshwari: Rah.. bachcha look here

Rahul looked at her while sobbing hard. Lokesh and Rajeshwari could see their small little Rahul in this grown up man's body.

Lokesh: Mom and Dad are absolutely fine okay. There is nothing to worry. See we are talking to you na bachcha

Rahul nodded in yes but threw the pillows and cushions here and there in the room while still crying in anger or frustration he didn't know.

Rajeshwari: Bas bachcha.. bas..

Athiya again made him have some water as his breathing was heavier due to continuous crying.

Rajeshwari: Mom and Dad know beta ki tum bahut achchhe se dhyan rakh rahe honge apni patni ka. Hamari parwarish ko itna bhi nahi janenge kya hmm?

Lokesh: Kal ke liye maaf kar do Mom and Dad ko please. Hum bas thoda sa dar gaye the aur aise me sab tumpe nikal gaya. We are sorry bachcha

Rajeshwari: Achchha dekho kan pakde ab to maafi dedo

Rahul saw them and gave them a small smile.

Rahul: Ek baar bata dete.. main.. main aa jata jaldi

Lokesh: Issi liye nahi bataya bachcha. Mahesh didn't want you to get distracted because of him.

Rajeshwari: Pata hai Rahul.. Tia.. main Rahul ke sath kisi bhi ladki ke link up ki baat pe aise kyu reaction deti hoon? Kyuki mere dil me pehle se hi meri Bahu ki tasweer basi hui thi.

Unknowingly Athiya hold Rahul's other hand in hers.

Rahul: Too late. I have my wife with me

Athiya smiled and Lokesh and Rajeshwari chuckled.

Rajeshwari: It was her only. Mujhe koi meri Tia ke takkar ka lagta hi nahi tha

Lokesh: Rah.. bachcha I know you are hurt.

Rahul looked down.

Lokesh: Rahul.. we know many of your friends are not after your name and fame but many of them are just for that. Beta tumne hamesha rishte Dil se banaye hai aur dil se nibhaye hai. Dikhawa nahi hota tumse. Hum tumhare sath tumhare dosto ko leke bhi strict the tumhare itne bade hone ke baad bhi kyuki hum nahi chahte ki tumhara dil dukhe unn logo ki wajah se. Hum mante hai ki Tia ke sath shaadi ke bare me puchhana chahiye tha

Rahul: I just wanted you both to hear me out Dad.. Aap.. aap logo ko nahi bolunga to kisko..

Tears again fell from his eyes. He looked at other side to control himself. Athiya was rubbing his back.

Rajeshwari: Ruhu.. bachcha idhar dekho

Rahul looked at her.

Rajeshwari: Mom and Dad are absolutely fine and woh apko chhod ke nahi ja rahe okay. We trust you from the bottom of our hearts. We know we are not perfect but we will try to be good enough for you both. We love you both kiddos

Lokesh: Ruhu.. beta duniya itni sidhi nahi hai jitni tum samajte ho. Har koi tumhari tarah black and white me nahi dekhta sab kuchh. Bachcha.. humne Jo kiya woh nahi kiya hota to..

Rahul: Apne sahi kiya Dad.

Lokesh, Rajeshwari and Athiya all were shocked hearing this.

Rahul: Tia se shaadi was the right decision. Agar.. agar apki jagah main hota to main bhi.. but I was not.. ane I felt hurt main kya karu..

Rajeshwari: It's okay to feel hurt Ruhu.. you are a human too baba. Now please stop crying bachcha

Lokesh: Ruhu.. beta take rest okay.. We will talk to you later

Athiya: Mere phone me karna call. Inka phone toot gaya hai

Rajeshwari and Lokesh nodded in yes and then disconnected the call.

Athiya once again gently wiped his tears and checked his forehead which was still warmer

Athiya: Better?

Rahul nodded in yes

Athiya: Lekin fever chadwa hi liya na. Chalo abhi rest karo aap chalo.

Rahul: Tum ho na yaha?

Athiya: Of course.. mera bhi to room hai na yeh to yahi rahungi na

She made him sleep and then asked Sakshi to check him.

Sakshi: Dar aur stress ki wajah se fever aa gaya hai

Athiya: Kal woh bahut late call aya tha na iss liye dar se gaye the. Lekin abhi Maa aur Dad se baat ki to thode shant hue hai lekin tab tak fever aa gaya tha

Sakshi: Koi baat nahi. Lunch ke baad yeh medicine de dena. He will be fine.

Athiya nodded in yes. Ritz passed her cold water and napkins. Athiya started putting cold wet strips.

Sakshi: Anu.. Rah ke liye khichdi banwa lo. And Athiya usko medicine de dena without fail. Athiya nodded in yes while putting cold wet strips on his forehead. Rahul turned to her side in sleep and hugged her.

All gave Athiya a teasing smile to which she just blushed while continuing doing her work.

During lunch time and Dinner time, Rahul was showing his tantrums but Athiya used to show her puppy face and he used to get melted in Neno second.

Athiya: Dinner to ho gaya chalo ab medicine lo

Rahul made a face but Athiya closed his nose and made him have it.

Rahul (whining): I am not a kid jo tum mera nak bandh karke medicine do

He whined to which he heard her laughing. He kept looking at her for few moments.

Athiya: Achchha chalo ab Leto aap.

She helped him in laying down on the bed. He himself kept his head in her lap startling her but then she started caressing his hair and he soon fell asleep.

For the next two days, it was the same routine. Rahul used to talk his parents on Athiya's phone.. They used to assure him. Rahul has still not fully forgiven his parents but he was okay.. he was coming in terms with whatever happened. His back issue too has improved a lot. He and his body both needed this break and rest from everything. It's her constant care and support that helped him a lot.

Today they all had dinner at the dining table.

Rahul: Aisa lag raha ki kitne dino baad yaha khana khaya

Virat: Koi baat nahi Rah. But you still need rest you know that right.

Rahul nodded in yes. They chit chatted for a while before going back to their respective rooms.

RohiRat were going together

Rohit: Rah ko bataya?

Virat shook his head in no

Rohit: Kyu?

Virat: Himmat nahi ho rahi

Rohit sighed but side hugged him.

Rohit: Everything will be fine okay

Virat nodded in yes and they went to their respective rooms.

Rahul and Athiya were in their room. She made him have his meds.

Athiya: Dad ko doctor ne travel karne se mana kiya tha warna woh log yaha aa jate

Rahul: I know. Maine bhi mana kiya. Bola Maine unko ki main theek hoon ab. Pata nahi kaise itna..

She hold his hands naturally.

Athiya: Rahul.. you are a human too. Kabhi kabhi to khud pe itna harsh hona bandh karo aap

Rahul smiled at her to which she smiled back. They were just looking at each other but Athiya broke the eye lock and took her hands back but this time, Rahul hold them.

Rahul: Thank you Tia.. Thank you for being My Safe Space. Thank you for giving me that confidence that even I can share anything and everything with you. Thanks a lot.

Athiya: I am happy that you considered me as your Safe space. Ab main yeh nahi bolne wali ki aap bhi mere safe space ho.. because you already know it

They both chuckled.

Athiya: Maa aur Dad se baat karke halka lag raha na?

Rahul nodded in yes.

Athiya: Jab man kare tab baat karna and don't force yourself okay.

Rahul nodded in yes. Rahul cupped her face.

Rahul: Once again.. Thank you Tia..

Athiya: You are always welcome

She said it while holding his hand which was cupping her face. Both were just looking at each other. But then Rahul yawned hard

Rahul: Main chala sone..

He almost fell on bed taking Her too with him. She was over him.

Athiya: Sambhalke. apna nahi to Kam se kam back ka dhyan rakho Rahul.

Rahul: Tum ho na Mera dhyan rakhne ke liye

Athiya blushed hearing this. They were still in the same position. Rahul made her look at him by lifting up her chin. She smiled at him.

Athiya: Abhi aap rest karo.

Rahul: Okay..

Rahul hugged her startling her but she caressed his hair. He soon fell asleep. She carefully placed his head on the pillow and then got up. She kept the pillows between them and layed down on her side. She was happy that Rahul was becoming comfortable with her. He was opening upto her. Her giving him the comfort of a friend and a support of a wife was actually making their relationship stronger. She too slept in a while.

Rahul woke up on the next day early as his sleep broke. He saw the pillows between him and Athiya and she was in the washroom. A smile came on his face seeing her putting efforts in making sure that he stays comfortable with their relationship. Her efforts, her care, her support.. She herself has made a special place in his heart.

Athiya came out of the washroom and saw him awake.

Athiya: Good morning

Rahul: Good morning

Athiya started getting ready and Rahul quickly went to get ready. He almost ran to washroom to which Athiya looked at his antics quite confusingly.

Athiya was just done with getting ready when Rahul came out of the washroom and found her all ready.

Rahul: Are yaar Aaj phir late ho gaya

Athiya (confused): Late kaha hua?

Rahul fake coughed.

Rahul: Oh haan.. mujhe laga late ho gaya. Time nahi dekha tha na to..

Athiya nodded confusingly but felt strange at his behaviour.

They were having breakfast.

Sakay: Tia.. chuda utarne ki rasam kab karni hai?

Athiya: Sawa mahine pe.. Abhi kuchh dino me karna hai

Sakshi: Rah.. how is your back now?

Rahul: Better hai bhabhi.. Soch raha hoon ek do din me ek baar indoor practice karke dekh loon koi stiffness ya kuchh feel hota hai ya nahi. Regular day me is doing good

Virat sighed in relief hearing this. Rohit gave him an assured pat on his thigh.

Rohit: Ralax. Everything will be fine dekhna

Virat nodded in yes.

***********************************

Few days passed and during all these days, Rahul daily used to sleep while hugging Athiya and she used to keep pillows between them once he fell asleep. She has started feeling a bit more protective towards him after his Breakdown. He has been protective towards her without even knowing her properly.. she can do this much for him that making sure she doesn't take his safe space back from him

Rahul has grown a lot more respect for her. He was not blind and he knew she was having feelings for him but she was not forcing herself over him.. Even though she has full right over him, she has always used to keep a distance between them for him to not feel awkward at any moment. He too used to behave more freely with her. He physically too has grown closer to her be it comes to sit beside her or to take her in a side hug in front of others. He never used to fail giving her a forehead kiss before wishing her good night.

But he was  having only one issue, he was still not able to say her openly that he wants to fill her hairline by himself. And not to forget, he also wanted to clear one misunderstanding she has but he was just not able to say it openly.

Today, it was the day when there was hustle and bustle going on in the house.

Anu: Ishu.. Rishu.. yeh bada wala bowl yaha rakho.

Harry: Are lekin isme kya karenge?

Ritz: Iske andar chuda jata hai jab nikalte hai

Sakshi: Phir usko sambhalke rakh dete hai

Rahul and Athiya were in their room while Athiya was getting ready. Rahul went to her and stood beside her. Athiya looked at him. Rahul made her stood in front of him. He took the box of sindoor and himself filled her hairline without saying anything. She just kept looking at him amusingly.

Rahul: Uss din.. Box khol Dene ke baad tumhari maang me sindoor bharne me problem nahi thi lekin main nahaya bhi nahi tha to I didn't feel like doing it. For me, it's something too precious and sacred which holds a certain sense of devotion. I don't know why but I just wanted to do it after taking shower. Aur uske baad har din tum khud hi kar leti thi.. aur mera chance hi nahi lag raha tha..

Athiya slightly chuckled but quickly stopped seeing him looking at her with a pout. He was looking too cute but she averted her gaze to not get lost in him.

Rahul: This is my right hai na..

Athiya nodded in yes

Rahul: To bas.. ab se main roz karunga yeh

Athiya nodded in agreement controlling her smile but her happiness was visible on her face.

Athiya: Aur agar aap bhul gaye to main yaad dila dungi

Rahul smiled and before Athiya could realise, she felt his lips on her forehead.. once again making her breathing uneven and a shiver ran through her body. It's not new for her but still his effect on her was the same as it was when he gave her the forehead kiss for the first time. She composed herself though the blush was visible on her face. She was feeling too shy today that she literally hid her face in his chest. Rahul chuckled.

Rahul: Mujhe nahi pata tha that itne dino baad bhi mere forehead kiss ka aisa effect hota hai tumpe..

Athiya (whining): Rahul...

Rahul chuckled but held her close to his heart.

Rahul (teasing): Waise forehead kiss pe yeh hal hai to..

Athiya gasped against his chest making him laugh out loud. Athiya looked at him.

Rahul: What?? Main to yeh bol raha tha ki forehead kiss pe yeh hal hai to if I cuddle to kya haal hoga. Tum bhi kya kya sochti rehti ho..

Athiya looked at him and smacked him lightly to which he chuckled. She again smacked him for teasing her like that to which he again chuckled. She started hitting him lightly with her fists with a huge pout.

Rahul: Are are.. ab lag rahi hai

Athiya: Lagni bhi chahiye. Kab se chida rahe ho mujhe..

She again started hitting him lightly with her fists but he held her both hands which pulled her closer to him. They both were looking at each other without realising they were leaning towards each other reducing the distance between them.

But soon enough their moment got broken with a coughing sound and they looked at the door only to find Harry standing there with his hands above his eyes

Harry: Sorry to ruin your moment love birds but bhabhis are calling you guys..

Rahul rolled his eyes whereas Athiya was looking down blushing hard

Rahul: Take your hands back Harry..

Harry took his hands back with teasing smile on his face.

Harry: Okay so bhabhis ko bol doon kya ki thoda sa wait kar le.. tum log apna adhoora kam pura karke aa rahe ho

Rahul: Abe ae..

Harry: What??

Rahul: Ruk tu..

Harry ran and Rahul ran after him. Athiya chuckled while hiding her face with her palms blushing hard. But soon she too composed herself and went.

Harry and Rahul came downstairs running. Rohit and Virat hold them both.

Virat: Kya kar rahe ho dono lag jayegi

Rahul: Vi Bhai iss Harry ko aaj main chhodunga nahi

Harry: Abe pehle pakad ke to dikha

Rahul: Harry...

Rohit: Are lekin hua kya??

Rahul: Ku.. Kuchh nahi B-Ro

All looked at him in disbelief. Of course there was something. Rahul looked here and there.

Harry: Abe kya kuchh nahi bol raha. B-Ro main batata hoon. Main jab gaya na uper inke room me tab yeh mahashay..

Athiya reached there and spoke.

Athiya: Bhabhi.. apne bulaya?

Sakshi: Haan woh rasam puri kar lete hai. Aao chalo...

Rahul sighed in relief and blinked at Athiya who blinked back at him.

[Note: I am writing this in my way. Do not compare it with original ritual]

The ladies first did the ticka and then took out her 'Chooda' and then made her wear some new bangles. They gave her some gifts which she was denying but then she had to take it.

Rahul has taken so many pictures of her. He saw his brothers who have become her brothers right now were  clicking pictures and selfies together. Rahul pouted. He went to her.

Rahul: Oh hello.. meri biwi hai. Mujhe to pictures click karne do.

Shubhi: Haan to apni biwi ke sath apne nahi li picture..

Ishu: Isme hamari kya galati

Harry: Romance karne se fursat mile to koi pictures click karega na

Athiya blushed hard and this time even Rahul couldn't stop himself from blushing.

Rohit: Waw.. waw.. waw.. look who is blushing.. Vi.. your Rahuliya is blushing

Virat: Haaye.. main to pehle se bolta hoon ki mera Rahuliya blush karte hue bahut pyaara lagta hai

Rahul: Vi Bhai..

He tried to whine but ended up blushing.

Mahi: Aee bas bhi karo sab.. kitna pareshan kar rahe ho bichare bachcho ko..

Rahul: Mahi Bhai aap hi achchhe ho

Mahi: Haan bachcha.. and Harry.. agar woh romance kar raha tha to tujhe aake bata dena chahiye tha na.. hum log thoda wait kar lete..

Rahul looked at him with opened mouth and rest all laughed. But his crimson red ears were giving him away.

Sakshi: Are bas bhi karo sab. Bahut pareshan kar liya sab ne and Mahi kya aap bhi shuru ho gaye

Mahi: Are kabhi kabhi to yeh aise hath me aata hai and for the record..

He went to Rahul and put his hand around his shoulder and took him to Athiya.

Mahi: Hum sab jante hai ki tum dono apne rishte ko nibhane ki puri koshish kar rahe ho. Ek dusare ke best friend ban ke ek dusare ko support kar rahe ho. Lekin ab age ka rasta tum dono ko khud decide karna hai ki kaise nibhana hai.. sirf dost hi banke rehna hai ya..

Rahul and Athiya both looked at other side.

Anu: Ya husband wife banne ki koshish karni hai. But it's upto you guys and you can take your time. We are not gonna stop you both. Lekin bas tum dono apna dhyan rakhna. Kisi bhi tarah ka pressure feel mat karna okay. Hum sab hai tum dono ke sath.

Mahi: Aur kabhi bhi koi bhi madad chahiye ho to we are here only okay

Rahul and Athiya both nodded in yes. They both looked at each other and quickly averted their gazes feeling their cheeks heating up. The slight blush on their faces was something which was making others sure that they are now not just friends.

Athiya: Waise aap log sab kaise ek sath reh lete ho? I mean itni badi jagah.. itni facilities..

She asked changing the topic.

Rohit: Mahi Bhai ko yeh jagah pasand aayi thi lekin unke budget ke bahar tha. Phir main aur Vi jud gaye. And phir ek ek karke hum sab jud gaye. Actually hotel me bhi hum log ek room me hi pade rehte the. So we needed a place jaha hum log sath me bhi reh paye plus we have our privacy. Aisa to Ghar me hi ho sakta hai to bas..

Athiya: So sweet..

Anu: Achchha chalo sab lunch kar lete hai...

All started leaving. Virat went to Athiya..

Virat: Waise Topic achchha change Kiya but I would say jis pace se age badh rahe ho woh sahi hain. Just have faith.

Athiya blushed but nodded in yes. Virat chuckled and patted her head and then they both too came to dining area.

Rahul: Tia.. what's your Instagram handle?

Athiya: Main use nahi karti.

All looked at her shocked except Mahi.

Rahul: Aise kaise.. main create kar raha hoon.

Athiya: Mujhe itna nahi pasand media and all. Phir chahe social media ho ya koi aur..

Rahul: Okay.. but main create kar raha hoon. Private account rakhunga bas..

Athiya nodded in yes

Rahul created her account and followed her. He then post something but internet was not properly working and it didn't posted and he got busy in lunch keeping her phone at a side.

Virat: Rah.. tumhara Naya phone lene ka plan hai?

Rahul bit his tongue.

Rahul: Tia.. tumhara Naya phone le lete hain. Mujhe tumhare phone me maza aa raha

He said sheepishly.

Anu: Dono Naya phone lelo.

Athiya: Nahi bhabhi. Mera Naya hi phone hai. Inhone hi to muh dikhai me diya tha

Younger gang: Awww....

Rahul: What Aww.. are iska face tak nahi dekha tha. Ghum ho jati to. Dhundhane kaha jata. Ek hi biwi hai meri bhai..

All laughed.

Shrey: Are agar Laapta Ladies me mil sakti hai biwi to yaha to uncle aur aunty ne dekha hi tha na. Mil hi jati bhabhi..

All laughed. But Athiya had a content smile on her face.

Athiya: But this phone will always be special to me. Because of the thought behind it

Rahul smiled widely at her. They all had lunch.

Rahul and Athiya were in their room.

Rahul: Tia come.. we will take pictures together

Athiya: Aaj kya ho gaya hai apko? Aren't you behaving quite clingy?

Rahul: I know I am.. but I just want to spend some time with you. Bas man kar raha hai. I want to make memories with you. Now come na..

Athiya came to him and Rahul took a selfie. Then he took her in a side hug and again took a selfie. Then they clicked some photos while making faces..

Shubhi came there and knocked.

Rahul: Bol na Shubhi.. aur tu kab se knock karne laga?

Shubhi: Woh Harry bhaiya ne bola tha ki knock karu kahi unke jaisa na ho jaye..

Rahul and Athiya both looked here and there. Shubhi controlled his smile.

Shubhi: Waise Rah bhaiya.. hum log FIFA khel rahe hai. Aapko khelna hai?

Rahul looked at Athiya who blinked at him and he agreed.

Rahul: Tu ja main change karke aaya

Shubhi nodded in yes and went from there. Rahul changed and went to Athiya.

Rahul: Tum change karke thoda rest kar lo. Itne dino se mera dhyan rakhte rakhte khud ka dhyan rakhna bhul gayi thi

Athiya nodded in yes and Rahul went from there. He came to Shubhi's room and they all started playing FIFA. The game was intense and Rahul and Shubhi's team has won the first round but Ishu and Harry won the second one. The third round was going much more intense and Rahul and Shubhi were about to win when they heard Athiya's scream.

.....................................................................

Okay so that's it for this chapter. Hope you guys like it

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