As they slept peacefully in each other's embrace, morning came all too soon. Abhimaan's eyes fluttered open, and he glanced to his side, catching sight of his beautiful wife. Sanaya was sleeping soundly, her lips pursed in a soft pout. He was tempted to lean in and kiss her, but he resisted the urge, choosing instead to admire her, taking in every delicate feature of her face.
Sanaya was in a deep sleep, lost in a dream where Abhimaan was intimately touching her. As soon as the realization struck, she opened her eyes abruptly, unsure if it was real or not. Her cheeks warmed as she felt the lingering effects of her dream, which left her feeling slightly embarrassed. After a moment, she turned to the other side to see if Abhimaan was still sleeping, only to hear the water running in the bathroom. "Oh, he's in the shower," she mumbled, her thoughts drifting back to her dream. She felt her cheeks blush and mentally scolded herself for thinking such "unholy things."
Moments later, Abhimaan emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, and water droplets trailing from his hair down to his chest and abs, disappearing beneath his towel. He noticed her watching him and smirked. "Like what you see?" he asked in a deep, teasing voice.
Sanaya's face turned a deep shade of red, and she quickly looked down, stammering, "I-I wasn't looking at you."
His smirk widened. "No? You weren't just looking, you were staring."
Flustered, she stood up abruptly. "I… I need to use the bathroom," she managed, rushing past him and into the bathroom, escaping his intense gaze. Behind her, Abhimaan chuckled at her reaction, but then, as he settled down, his laughter faded, a quiet reflection softening his expression. I don't know what you're doing to me, Sanaya, he thought. I haven't laughed in years, and now you're bringing hope back to my heart. But I can't let it break again. I'll fulfill my responsibility to you until we can part ways, but I'm afraid… afraid that my heart is starting to feel something for you. And that you'll leave me… just like she did.
After getting dressed in a black business suit, Abhimaan headed down to the dining room. As always, everyone was seated, chatting and laughing—until they noticed him. His presence commanded silence, and they all returned to their food, not daring to break the quiet. Abhimaan took his seat at the head of the table. A few minutes later, Sanaya joined them, sitting in her designated seat beside him.
"Lavender, your interview is scheduled for tomorrow," Abhimaan said to Sanaya, addressing her with his affectionate nickname. "I hope you'll prepare well."
"Yes, I will. Thank you," she replied softly, casting him a shy glance.
She wanted to ask something but was too nervous to speak up. Finally, after a deep breath, she addressed the family. "Maa, Papa… Abhimaan. I wanted to request something from all of you."
Her father-in-law smiled warmly. "Don't think of it as a request, bacha. Just tell us. You're like our daughter, just as much as Pihu."
Sanaya looked at Abhimaan, who gave her a slight nod, silently encouraging her. She continued, "As you know, it was my sister who was meant to marry Abhimaan, but… things happened differently, and I married him. I'd prefer not to mention that I'm his wife at the office."
Rukhmani, her mother-in-law, nodded kindly. "That's perfectly fine, beta. It's your choice."
Her father-in-law also agreed. "Whatever makes you comfortable, Sanaya."
Relieved, she smiled. "Thank you."
Viraj, her playful brother-in-law, chimed in, "So, Bhabhi, you're really joining the office?"
"Yes, Viraj," she replied, smiling back. "I'll start tomorrow."
"Oh, best of luck, Bhabhi! And don't stress. Your interview will go great," he encouraged her with a grin. Sanaya felt touched and replied, "Thank you, Viraj."
They all finished breakfast peacefully before heading to their respective routines.
As lunchtime arrived, only Rukhmani, Pihu, and Sanaya were at home. While they ate, Rukhmani brought up a guest. "Sanaya, Abhimaan's best friend is coming tomorrow. He was away on a business trip and missed the wedding, so I'm planning a dinner for him here."
Sanaya nodded. "Of course, Maa. That sounds nice."
Curious, she asked about this friend, and Pihu quickly responded, "Bhabhi, you'll love Veer Bhai! He's nothing like your husband with his serious, all-business face." Sanaya couldn't help but laugh, picturing the difference.
Rukhmani lightly tapped Pihu's head. "You're talking about my son, don't forget," she chided playfully.
Pihu just rolled her eyes with a grin, and together, the three women finished their lunch. As Rukhmani dialed Abhimaan to inform him about the dinner, she added, "Abhi, don't work too late. Veer missed the wedding, so I've planned for him to join us tomorrow."
"Okay, Maa," he replied, his tone softer than usual. "And… where's Lavender?"
Rukhmani smiled at his subtle concern. "She's in her room choosing a dress for tonight's dinner. Oh, and make sure Abhiraj and Viraj come home early. It's a family dinner."
He assured her, and after they hung up, Rukhmani sighed with a hopeful smile. Please, God, she prayed silently, help my Abhi heal. I see the changes, but I hope Sanaya can finally bring happiness back to him.
In Sanaya's room, Pihu was helping her pick out an outfit. She held up a black saree, showing it off with a mischievous glint. Sanaya immediately hesitated, noticing it revealed a hint of cleavage. "I… I don't know, Pihu," she protested.
"Oh, come on, Bhabhi!" Pihu teased, winking. "If you wear this, Abhi Bhai's eyes won't move from you all night!"
Sanaya's cheeks flushed, but with Pihu's encouragement, she finally agreed. After Pihu left to get ready, Sanaya took the saree and slipped into the bathroom. When she looked in the mirror, she felt a mix of excitement and nerves—the saree made her look undeniably beautiful, with the perfect touch of elegance and allure. She applied light makeup, added a subtle red lipstick, and admired the transformation. This is… a bit daring, she thought, but she hoped it would make an impression.
Sanaya's look

A few moments later, Pihu returned, and her eyes widened. "Oh my god, Bhabhi! You look stunning! Bhai won't be able to breathe, let alone take his eyes off you."
Sanaya blushed, her face glowing even more, as she shyly whispered, "Thank you, Pihu."
Just then, Viraj joined them and playfully remarked, "Bhabhi, if you weren't already married to Abhi Bhai, I'd have proposed myself!"
Pihu rolled her eyes at him. "If Abhi Bhai finds out you said that, he'll bury you six feet under!"
Sanaya laughed at their banter, replying with a simple, "Thank you, Viraj."
Soon, Rukhmani joined them and praised Sanaya's look, adding a warm touch of encouragement. They all made their way to the car, with Viraj driving.
After a short ride, they arrived at a chic three-star hotel, spotting Abhimaan leaning casually against his car, dressed in his shirt and sleeves rolled up till the elbow. As Sanaya stepped out, Abhimaan's gaze moved to her and-----------
Will continue in the next chapter thankyou you cuties