8.SNUGGLER

SHIVNYA’S POV 

Both of us arrived at the airport and were joined by the family shortly after. Aayansh collected our passports and handled the boarding process. Our luggage was taken care of by the airport staff while we all stood together. Some engaged in light conversation, while Aayansh, Abhimanyu, and others took care of the necessary arrangements. In the meantime, Sanj stood beside me, looking tired from lack of sleep due to packing. I couldn't help but find it endearing.

Soon, a bus arrived to take us to our private jet. We settled in, with Sanj and I seated together, while the rest of the family found their spots. As the jet began to take off, there was a wave of excitement, but it gradually subsided as the journey progressed. Once allowed to move around, I retrieved my laptop and began working. Our family vacation officially commenced.

I was working on my laptop when Sanj put her head on my shoulder and wrapped her arms around mine, pretending to sleep. Divi came near and said meekly, "Diiii."

"Diiii, vacation hai. Enjoy karo, kaam nahi," Divi said, looking at my laptop.

( Diii, it's vacation time. Enjoy, don't work.)

"I know, but agar tum apna kaam nahi karoge, toh kisi ko toh karna hoga," I said, typing away.

( I know, but if you don't do your work, someone has to.)

"Ahh, didi, aap hamesha aise hi karti ho," Divi said, irritated.

( dii, you always do this.)

"Diiiii, ab toh aap uss sawal ka jawab de dijiye," Divi asked excitedly, and by now everyone was watching.

( Sis, now answer that question.)

"Kiska?" I asked, bored.

( of what?? )

"Ki app kisse sabse zyada pyaar karti ho?" He asked, and everyone was shocked by listening to that. I choked on air. Sanj offered me water.

( Who do you love the most?)

"Saaf saaf kaho," I said while drinking the water.

( Say it clearly.)

"Aap Sanj se zyada pyaar karti ho yaa mujhse?" Divi asked, and everyone relaxed.

( Do you love Sanj more or me?)

"Haan, diii, bataiye na," Sanj asked excitedly. I was stunned by how quickly she changed her tune.

( Yes, dii, tell us!)

"Pagal ho gaye ho tum dono," I said, trying to focus on my laptop.

( You both have gone crazy.)

"Diiiiii," Sanj said and literally snatched my laptop. Now my full attention was on both of them, and everyone was focused on our banter.

"Aisa kya hua jo tum dono yeh sawaal achanak se puch rahe ho?" I asked, curious about the sudden question.

( What happened that made you both ask this question all of a sudden?)

"Diiii, isne kaha tha ki aap meri baat hamesha isliye maanti hai kyunki main choti hoon," Sanj said innocently, and my heart melted, though Janvi's smirk was irking me.

( Dii, she said that you always listen to me because I'm the youngest.)

"Aisa kuch nahi," I consoled her.

( It's nothing like that.)

"Dekha, maine kaha tha na ki dii meri baat isliye maanti hain kyon ki wo mujhse sabse zyada pyaar karte hain," Sanj screamed, starting her happy dance.

( See, I told you that sis listens to me because she loves me the most! )

"Aisa kuch nahi hai. Diii meri baat bhi maanti hain," Divi said with a gloomy face.

( That's not true. Dii listens to me too.)

"Heina, diii?" he asked, and I nodded, about to speak when he continued

( Right, dii? )

"Diiii, aap bata hi dijiye na ki aap sabse zyada pyaar kisse karti hain," he asked again, and Sanj laughed at his predicament.

( dii, just tell us who you love the most.)

"Ek kaam karo, Aayansh se pucho. Jo uska jawab hoga, wahi mera hoga," I tried to shoo him away.

( Do one thing, ask Aayansh. Whatever his answer is, that'll be mine.)

"Kya diii," Divi said and went to Aayansh. Everyone watched the drama like a match between RCB and CSK.  ( What, diii )

"Bhai, aap bataiye," Divi asked Aayansh, and I watched, curious about the answer

( Brother, you tell us )

"Tujhe nahi lagta ki iska answer obvious hai? Tum jaise pagal se kaun hi pyaar karega? Obviously, main toh Sanj se hi karta hoon," Aayansh said with a smirk.

( Don't you think the answer is obvious? Who would love someone crazy like you? Obviously, I love Sanj more.)

Everyone laughed, and Divi looked heartbroken.

"Means, Shivnya dii bhi Sanj se hi karti hain?" Yuvraj said.

( So, does that mean Shivnya also loves Sanj more? )

"Diviii, ek baat kahoon? Mom-dad ne tumhe adopt kiya hai, I think," Sanj teased with a grin, and Divi looked devastated as everyone laughed.

( Divi, can I tell you something? I think mom and dad adopted you.)

"Badi maaa," Divi went to Kamini chachi and started crying.

( Big mom...)

"Aree, aree, kyu mere bache ko pareshan kar rahe ho? Main tumse sabse zyada pyaar karti hoon. Ye sab pagal hai. Tum inki baat ko seriously kyun lete ho? Main hoon na," Kamini chachi consoled him, and he made a face at Sanj.

( Oh dear, why are you troubling my child? I love you the most. These people are crazy. Why do you take them seriously? I'm here for you.)

"Haan maa, humein pata hai ki aap kisse sabse zyada pyaar karti ho," Aayansh said, and we all laughed, knowing she loves Aayansh the most but never ignores us.

( Yes, mom, we know who you love the most.)

After the banter, games, and reminiscing about old days with the elders, I found myself continuously looking at Abhimanyu amidst my important work, feeling my heart race at his smile. Exhausted from lack of sleep due to work pressure and medication, I felt very sleepy.

"Diii, won't you order anything?? " Aayansh asked, coming near my seat.

"No, Aayu, I don't feel like eating anything, " I said in a low tone.

"Ohkk, as you wish," Aayansh said

He left, and I found a sandwich on my plate upon returning from the washroom. Next to it was a note waiting to be read.

"I don't want you to faint again and put that gun on my chest again, so eat this."

After reading the note, I smiled and ate half of the sandwich despite my lack of appetite.

We were soon landing at Bhuntar Airport after a three-hour flight, which wasn't too taxing. Upon arrival, we gathered our belongings and headed towards the waiting buses. Our accommodation was a private mansion I owned, making our stay more convenient and enjoyable.

As everyone settled into the bus for the two-hour journey to the villa, I lingered behind to converse with the bus manager and driver. When I finally boarded, only two seats remained: one next to Yuvraj and the other next to Abhimanyu. Sanj quickly took the seat next to Yuvraj, leaving me to sit beside Abhimanyu.

ABHIMANYU’S POV 

Arriving at the airport, my eyes were immediately drawn to her standing near Sanj. She looked effortlessly beautiful, her flicks and stylish specs enhancing her captivating charm. Just being near her makes me feel indescribably special. I wonder what will happen when she's with me.

As we boarded the jet, Divit and Shivnya engaged in lively banter. There was a moment of tension when Divit asked Shivnya whom she loved the most, and she seemed momentarily flustered. However, they quickly clarified the situation, and their playful exchange continued, entertaining us all.

While Shivnya worked on her laptop, the rest of us chatted and played games. At one point, I sensed a steady gaze on me and saw Shivnya looking in my direction, not at her laptop. It dawned on me: she was watching me. I felt like I was on cloud nine. Finally, my amour was taking an interest in me.

After the jet landed, we headed towards the bus. I settled in the last seat, and suddenly, Janvi came near me and asked, "Can I sit here?"

"Nooo," I responded.

"Why? Nobody is sitting here," she argued.

"Can't you understand once? I said no, so please leave," I said in a low tone, ensuring nobody else could hear.

She left in fuming anger and settled next to Kunal, both of them now looking at me. Then Sanj and Shivnya arrived. Sanj quickly went to Yuvraj, who was sitting in the seat next to mine, and Shivnya came near me.

"Can I sit here?" Shivnya asked in a low tone.

"Yaa, of course," I said, standing up so she could easily sit.

"Thanks for the sandwich," she said as she settled in her seat.

"It's my pleasure. By the way, how is your health now?" I asked her.

"It's fine," she replied and closed her eyes.

While on the bus, as people dozed off from exhaustion, my amour also slept, taking support from the seat. The bus took a turn, and her head ended up on my shoulder. She started wrapping her hands around mine and snuggled closer to my arm. I think she has some kind of affection for my arm; she always snuggles into it. But whatever it is, I love it when she is near me. Whenever she is with me, I just want to stop time and live in the moment with her. Her gentle gestures and warmth made me cherish every second.

It was cute how she slept comfortably on my arm as we reached our destination. I covered her with a blanket to keep her warm and prevent her from getting sick because the temperature was dropping as we approached the location. When we arrived, everyone else was leaving the bus. Sanj and Yuvraj noticed us in that state, with Shivnya snuggled into my arm, sleeping peacefully. Before I could explain, she woke up, rubbed her eyes, and looked adorable. She noticed Sanj watching us and then looked up to see me close to her face. We briefly locked eyes, close enough for a kiss, but she pulled away quickly, adjusted her clothes, and went with Sanj out of the bus. A laugh escaped my lips.

"Bhaiiiii," Yuvi called out to me, but I was just watching  Shivnya's retreating figure.

( brother )

"Bhaiii!" Yuvi shouted.

( brother )

" What?? " I said and took my things, starting to make my way out. Yuvi was following me.

"Aap Ka aur Shivnya dii ka kuch..." Yuvi asked, and I stopped to look at him. How much audacity he had to ask me directly!

( Is there something between you and Shivnya?)

"Chup ek dum chup, aisa kuch nhi h, or agr kisi ko kuch bola na, toh next month ki pocket money bhi nhi dunga," I tried to threaten him.

( Shut up, just shut up. There's nothing like that, and if you tell anyone, I won't give you your pocket money next month.)

"Koi baat nhi, badi maa ko bataunga toh wo mujhe double dengi," he said with a smirk and showed me a photo he had clicked of Shivnya and me.

( No worries, if I tell my big mom, she'll give me a double.)

"Yuvi, don't you dare to do that, nhi toh jo tum racing ke liye jaate ho na, m chachu ko bata dunga," I said while snatching the phone from him, sending the picture to myself, and deleting it from his phone.

( Yuvi, don't you dare do that, or I'll tell uncle about your racing trips.)

"Ok, ok, par bas ek sawal," he asked and took his phone from my hand.

( Alright, alright, but just one question.)

"Kyaa?" I asked while descending the bus stairs.

( What?)

"Kya aap dono ka sach m..." he said and ran towards the family.

( Is there really something between you two...)

"Yuviii ke bache, ruk tujhe batata hu," I said in anger and ran behind him.

( Yuvi, you little brat! Wait, I'll show you.)

"Bhaii, pehle aap ke bache honge, mere walo m toh abhi time hai," Yuvi said while running and went near Maa.

( Bhaiii , you'll have kids first, mine will take time.)

"Tum dono ek dusre ke peeche bhaag kyu rahe ho?" Maa asked, and Yuvi was making faces behind her.

(Why are you two running after each other?)

"Kuch nhi, Maa. Aaj kal bas ye bhot zyada bolne lg gya, wahi samjha rha tha isse," I said to Maa while trying to catch him, but he kept hiding behind her.

( Nothing, Maa. He's just been talking too much lately, I was explaining it to him.)

"Acha acha thik chlo, ab apna apna room dekh lo," Maa said, and Yuvi went with her.

(Alright, alright, now go check your rooms.)

As we approached the villa, the manager eloquently described its grandeur, boasting 17 spacious rooms, including a special chamber with a study, library, jacuzzi, and cozy living space. Each detail added to the charm of the place, making it feel like a distinct retreat within the larger villa.

"Aayansh asked, " Diiii, whose room is this? "

" Haaa diii, what a great room!" Sanj exclaimed.

" Diiii, can I take this room? " Divit asked excitedly.

" Shivnya dii, can I also stay here? " Tanmay asked hopefully.

" Shivnya, we're married; can you give it to us? " Avni said, making a puppy face. They all started arguing about who would stay in the room, while the elders tried to figure out whose room it was.

" Calm down, everyone. None of you will get this room; it's mine. I had it specially made for myself when the mansion was being built," Shivnya said in a slightly raised voice.

" Diiii, you didn't tell us anything about this project, " Divit complained.

" How many of my projects do you even know about? Tell me that first " Shivnya said with crossed arms, making everyone laugh.

" Actually, we constructed these types of mansions only last year. There are about 7 to 10 mansions like this all over India, and in each one, I have a separate room built for myself. That's why you see this room in a secluded spot, away from the other rooms " she explained.

" Ohhhhh, so that means this room would be yours " Divit said, looking disappointed.

" Yes, now all of you can choose your own rooms. I'm going to my chamber, and if anyone has any issues, you can contact Mr. Akash Sharma "  Shivnya said and headed to her chamber.

We all had personal rooms except Sanj and Janvi, who were sharing a room. We went to our rooms and rested for a while. It was lunchtime, and we all went to the main dining area. Everyone was present except Shivnya.

"Beta, jao jaakr Shivnya ko bula lao," Kamini aunty said to Sanj.

( child go and call shivnya )

"Maa, gyi thi m. Diii so rhi thi," Sanj said to her.

( mom I went to her but she was sleeping )

"Aree, toh bolna tha ki aakr lunch kar le, phir so jayegi," Nandini aunty said to her.

( so you should ask her to come and have lunch )

"Mene bola tha, par unhone saaf saaf mana kar diya khane ke liye," Sanj replied.

( I said to her but she clearly said no )

"Iss ladki ka sach m kya hoga," Kamini aunty said, serving us food.

( what will happen to this girl )

Kamini aunty went to call Shivnya for lunch and returned with a sulking face. Shivnya's eyes showed she was still sleepy but looked cute in her oversized clothes. Before coming to the dining table, she had a conversation with Dr. Uncle and then sat next to Aayansh.

Kamini aunty served her a pyaaz paratha, and she looked at her in anger, saying, "Aapko pata h na m ye nhi khati hu, aap baar baar mujhe kyu de deti h ye."

( you know na I don't eat this why you always serve me this )

"Par Shivnya, jab hum chote the, tab tumhe ye bahut pasand tha. Mujhe aaj bhi yaad h ki tum ye paratha merese ladai kar ke khati thi," Aarav said, chuckling at the memory.

( but shivnya when we used to kid you used to fight me to eat it you liked it so much  )

"Chachi, kuch aur khane ke liye h kya? Nhi toh mujhe lunch nhi karna h," Shivnya said, passing her plate back.

( chachi don't we anything else to eat )

"Bache, par..." Kamini aunty began, but Shivnya stood up from her chair.

( but baby... )

"Acha thik h, m kuch aur laati hu," Kamini said, heading to the kitchen.

( okay fine I will bring something else  )

"Mene tumse kuch pucha tha," Aarav said, annoyed.

( I asked you something )

"Guys, why don't we visit the mall road tonight?" Avantika suggested, breaking the tension.

"Yess diii, we should visit there. What do you all say?" Tanmay added.

"Yesss, of course," Sanj said.

"But the elders..." Aayansh hesitated.

"If they want to come, they can come," Aarav said.

"Diii, can I shift into your chamber?" Sanj asked meekly.

"But why? What happened?" Shivnya asked, concerned.

"Diii, please mana mat kijiye na. M aapko disturb nhi karungi, please," Sanj pleaded.

(  diii please dint say no, I wont disturb you  )

"Bache, koi problem h kya? Ya kisi ne kuch kaha?" Shivnya asked, glancing at Janvi.

( baby is there any problem ??? or someone said something???  )

"Nahi diii," Sanj shook her head.

( no dii  )

"Aacha, thik h. Kar lo shift," Shivnya said while eating. The others were stunned.

(  okay fine shift )

"Thank you diii! You are the best!" Sanj said, hugging her.

After lunch, everyone got ready to visit Mall Road. It was quite a drive from the villa, taking around an hour, and all the elders decided to come along, so we went there by bus.

𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃

It was 5 degrees Celsius in the evening, and everyone was bundled up in 3 to 4 layers of clothing. Shivnya, however, had only worn one layer and covered herself with a warm yet cozy shawl. Her unique attire drew curious glances, but despite the cold, she looked comfortable and elegant.

The bustling market was vibrant with colorful stalls, the aroma of street food, and the chatter of excited visitors. As we moved through the crowd, the lively atmosphere enveloped us. Street vendors called out showcasing their goods, while the sound of live music added to the charm of the place.

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:

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