CAN'T ESCAPE!
CAN'T ESCAPE!
After lunch, the family gathered in the living room. Rajeev, Rishabh's father expressed to Avani's father, “Anilji, we loved your Avani very much. It is a 'Yes' from our side. But we don’t want to force anything on Avani. I want her to take time and think, as it’s her life’s decision. We want all of you to give it some thought and let us know.”
Avani was shellshocked by Rajeev's words. Looking around, she lowered her gaze. She felt Rishabh was relishing her expressions and an instant urge to beat him black and blue crossed her mind. Rajeev then glanced at the other family members, including Sanjeev and Riya (Siya’s parents), and confirmed their unanimous decision. The discussion then shifted to preparations for Anish and Siya's marriage.
While everyone was engrossed in the conversation, Rishabh casually crossed his legs, rested his hands on his knees, and fixed his gaze on Avani. Despite her attempts to avoid his stare, it made her feel increasingly shy and awkward in front of everyone.
Just then, her phone blinked with a new message from Rishabh, “You can’t escape me, baby.”
Avani read his message, and he responded with a challenging look. She shot him a death glare, thoroughly angered by his audacity.
'Look at his guts! Sitting in my home, without my consent asking my hand for my marriage to my parents. He really trapped me well this time.' Avani thought with anger dancing her gaze biting her lips unconsciously.
Her phone blinked again, another message from him. “Don’t...I won’t mind kissing you senselessly in front of everyone.” Avani unconsciously released her lower lip from her teeth, and when she glanced at him, he seemed innocent, engrossed in his phone. Meeting his gaze, she couldn't contain her anger and abruptly got up, shooting him an irate look.
She rushed to the kitchen, placing her hand on her chest to steady her racing heart. The situation seemed to be spiraling out of her control.
"What will I do now?" she questioned herself.
As they stood outside bidding farewell, the air seemed thick with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. Neetu extended a warm invitation for Diwali dinner at their home, unknowingly tightening the grip of Rishabh's trap around Avani. Avani's mother graciously accepted the invitation, sealing Avani's fate for the upcoming event.
We were so happy to meet you all. Avani, we are looking forward to welcoming you to our family,” Neetu said, expressing her joy.
“I am glad to have met you too.” Avani replied politely, trying to mask her inner turmoil.
Anish and Siya were engrossed in their own world, leaving Avani and Rishabh with a semblance of privacy. Walking beside each other, yet maintaining a deliberate distance from their parents, Avani felt the unspoken tension between her and Rishabh. Shreya, Kriti, Neetu, Rishabh's mother, and her own mother exchanged pleasantries near the car, unaware of the complexities that lay beneath the surface. The impending Diwali dinner cast a shadow over Avani's thoughts, leaving her to grapple with the intricacies of a past that had unexpectedly resurfaced in her present.
"I am going to kill you for this. Just wait!" Avani threatened Rishabh, with a fake smile dancing on her lips.
"Sweetheart, I am ready to die with your beautiful hands any day," he whispered in a low voice, ensuring their exchange remained private.
Avani, with narrowed eyes and a smile, approached Neetu. She respectfully touched her feet and seek her blessings. Neetu, in response, offered her warm wishes, and took her in a warm hug that seemed to carry a subtle double entendre.
Kriti, seizing the opportunity for mischief, came forward and whispered in Avani's ears, "Bye Avani Bhabhi," and winked at her playfully. The air was charged with unspoken sentiments, leaving Avani to navigate the intricate web woven around her.
Blushing at the unexpected term 'Bhabhi' from Kriti, Avani attempted to conceal her flushed cheeks from the scrutinizing eyes around her. Despite her efforts, Rishabh, ever perceptive, caught the subtle change in her complexion and could not help but smile knowingly. It seemed that, once again, nothing about Avani could escape the watchful gaze of Rishabh.