"3RD PERSON POV"
"FEW DAYS LATER"
The night was dark, the moon hidden behind thick, drifting clouds. Rain poured steadily from the sky, tapping against windows and rooftops, while occasional flashes of lightning lit up the city for brief moments. Everything outside was quiet, wrapped in the stillness that only a rainy night could bring. The air was cold, almost heavy with calm.
Inside the cozy living room, Aravind sat on the sofa, his eyes lazily following the movements on the TV screen. Suryakantham sat beside him, curled up close, her arms wrapped around his waist as she rested her head on his chest. Her gaze was also on the screen, but it was clear her comfort came more from him than the show.
Aravind gently ran his fingers through her hair, slow and soothing. Neither of them spoke. They didn't need to. The only sounds in the room were the soft murmur of the TV and the rhythmic patter of rain against the windows. It was the kind of silence that felt warm, not awkward—a quiet shared only by people who knew each other deeply.
The cold air, the rain, the dim lighting… everything made the night feel slower, softer. A little lazy, a little magical.
The peaceful atmosphere was broken by the sudden ring of Aravind's phone. He glanced at the screen, and when he saw the caller ID, he paused. The moment his hand stopped moving through her hair, Suryakantham frowned and mumbled in protest, "Aaru…"
Aravind chuckled softly. "It's Nini," he said gently.
Suryakantham rolled her eyes and buried her face deeper into his chest, clearly not thrilled but not truly annoyed either.
Aravind smiled at her reaction and answered the call. But as soon as he heard the voice on the other end, his expression changed. The warmth in his eyes faded, replaced by concern.
"Aaru…" Chandni's voice was faint, weak—nothing like her usual energetic tone.
Aravind sat up straighter, alarmed. "Nini? What's wrong?"
"I… I don't know. I'm not feeling well," she said softly, almost like a whisper. "Can you come?"
Aravind said softly into the phone, "Don't worry, I'll be there in no time, okay?"
As the call ended, he stood up quickly. Suryakantham looked at him with concern. "What happened?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.
Aravind grabbed his jacket and replied, "It seems Nini's not feeling well."
Without hesitation, Suryakantham got up too. "I'll come with you," she said.
Even though Suryakantham often found herself annoyed by Chandni's antics, over time she had grown fond of her. Chandni felt more like a stubborn little sister now, and the worry in Suryakantham's eyes showed it clearly.
But Aravind gently stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder. He leaned down and kissed her forehead softly. "Don't worry. I'll bring her back before you even realize I'm gone, alright?"
Suryakantham hesitated, then slowly nodded. "Call me if anything happens," she said firmly.
Aravind gave her a reassuring smile and nodded again. Picking up his car keys from the table, he headed to the door.
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"3RD PERSON POV"
The rain poured heavily, drenching the silent streets under the dark sky. A car suddenly came to a stop in front of a small house, its headlights casting sharp beams through the curtain of rain.
The driver's door opened, and Aravind stepped out, quickly unfolding a transparent umbrella. He shut the door behind him and made his way toward the house. Opening the small iron gate, he walked carefully up the short path, raindrops tapping steadily on his umbrella.
As he reached the entrance, he closed the umbrella and knocked on the wooden door. A few seconds later, the door creaked open, revealing an elderly lady wrapped in a warm shawl. It was Chandni's landlady.
She looked at him for a moment, then said in a calm voice, "Chandni's boyfriend?"
Aravind blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the label. After a beat, he gave a polite smile and nodded.
The old lady stepped aside, motioning for Aravind to come in. "She told me you were coming," she said kindly. "Don't worry, I already gave her a tablet. It's just a minor fever."
"Thank you," Aravind replied sincerely.
She waved her hand with a warm smile. "Don't mention it. You can wait here—she's in the bathroom freshening up."
Aravind nodded and glanced around the living room. The house was surprisingly spacious and neatly kept, with simple yet cozy decor. A soft ticking sound came from a wall clock, blending with the distant patter of rain.
"Do you live here alone?" he asked gently, turning toward the old lady.
She chuckled lightly. "Oh no, I live with my husband. He's running late today because of the rain. And we have a few other female tenants too. It's usually a full house."
Aravind nodded softly at the old lady's words. A few moments later, Chandni stepped out from the hallway, looking pale but relieved. As soon as she saw him, her eyes lit up and she rushed over, wrapping her arms around him.
"Aaru…" she murmured, her voice weak but full of warmth.
Aravind smiled and gently stroked her hair. "How are you feeling now?"
Chandni looked up at him, her face slightly flushed. "A little better now," she said softly.
"That's good," he replied, brushing a strand of damp hair from her forehead. "Let's go. You're coming with me. Suri is worried about you too, you know."
Chandni smiled faintly and gave a small nod. Together, they turned to the old lady, who was watching them with a kind smile.
"Thank you for everything," Aravind said politely.
"Take care of her," the old lady said with a gentle wave.
"He will," Chandni added with a smile before the two of them stepped out into the rainy night, Aravind holding the umbrella over them as they made their way to the car.
Inside the house, Suryakantham was still sitting on the sofa, watching TV. The news report about Chief Minister Kashi Viswanath's sudden death was playing on the screen. The tone was serious, the anchor's voice low and heavy with tension.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
She quickly stood up and walked toward the door. When she opened it, she saw Aravind and Chandni standing there, slightly damp from the rain.
Relieved, Suryakantham stepped forward and gently hugged Chandni. "Hey… are you okay?"
Chandni hugged her back and nodded. "Yes."
Aravind smiled at the sight of them. "Alright, come on, girls. It's cold out here."
They both nodded and stepped inside. As Suryakantham closed the door behind them, she looked at Aravind with concern and said, "Aaru, I think you two should see this."
Aravind looked at her curiously. "What is it?"
Hearing this, Suryakantham walked toward the living room, and Aravind and Chandni followed her. As they entered, Suryakantham pointed at the TV. The news was still playing, showing the report about CM Kashi Viswanath's death. The screen displayed an image of the alleged killer.
Chandni, looking worried, quickly said, "Isn't that Shankar? I didn't think he was really a criminal... a killer?" She instinctively reached for Aravind's arm and added, "Isn't this going to cause problems for us?"
Aravind glanced at the TV, then at her, and gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. He can't do anything to us. Don't think about it too much," he said, his voice calm and confident. With a gentle motion, he reached for the remote and turned off the TV.
Looking at both of them, he smiled again and said, "Suri, take Nini to the bedroom. Let her lie down for a while. I'll make her some hot soup to help her feel better."
Suryakantham nodded in agreement, and Chandni, still a little anxious, followed her toward the bedroom. Aravind watched them go, his mind already focused on making sure Chandni felt better.
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"3RD PERSON POV"
"AFTER A WHILE"
Inside the bedroom, Aravind had finished feeding Chandni the soup. He stood up, holding the empty bowl in his hands. "I'll go wash the bowl and clean up the rest," he said, about to walk out.
Before he could move, Suryakantham quickly spoke up. "Aaru, I'll do it."
Aravind paused and looked at her, a little surprised. "Are you sure?"
Suryakantham nodded, her expression firm. Aravind smiled and handed her the bowl. "Alright, if you say so."
Suryakantham left the room with the bowl, and Aravind turned his attention back to Chandni, who was sitting up beside him. He smiled gently and said, "You should sleep now, girl."
Chandni nodded, her eyes already looking heavy with sleep. She lay back on the bed, and Aravind carefully pulled the blanket over her.
But just as he was about to step away, Chandni's voice called out softly, "Aaru."
Aravind paused and looked down at her, a warm smile tugging at his lips. "What is it, Nini?"
Chandni looked up at him with a quiet, almost shy expression. "Sleep here with me," she whispered.
Aravind sighed softly as he heard her request. "Don't worry, Suri will sleep with you here," he said, trying to ease her concerns.
But Chandni's voice was firm when she responded, "Aaru, you sleep here."
Aravind looked at her, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. "Nini..." he said softly, his tone a mix of affection and uncertainty.
Chandni didn't say anything else. She just looked at him, her eyes filled with silent plea. After a moment, Aravind let out another sigh. He picked up the blanket and lay down beside her.
As soon as he settled in, Chandni quickly hugged him tightly, burying her head in his chest. Aravind's hand instinctively moved to her back, gently patting her in a soothing manner. They lay in silence for a moment, the quiet of the room wrapping around them.
Then, unexpectedly, Chandni's voice broke the stillness, soft and hesitant. "Aaru, I talked with Suri while you were making the soup."
Aravind, sensing the seriousness in her tone, replied gently, "Talked about what?"
Chandni didn't answer right away. Instead, she lifted her head slightly, her eyes meeting his. The vulnerability in her gaze made Aravind's heart tighten. Then, with a soft breath, she said, "Aaru, I love you. I really, really love you."
The words hung in the air between them, and before Aravind could respond, Chandni buried her face in his chest again, her body trembling slightly as she held onto him tighter.
Aravind remained silent for a moment, his fingers gently brushing through Chandni's hair as he thought about her words. Finally, he asked, his voice soft, "What if I said no?"
Chandni stiffened, her breath catching in her throat. "Nothing," she replied quickly, but Aravind could feel the dampness on his chest. Her tears were wetting his shirt, and it broke his heart.
He immediately cupped her face, lifting her head gently. He wiped away the tears with his thumbs, his voice gentle as he said, "Don't cry, Nini."
But Chandni didn't respond. She just buried her face deeper into his chest, her sobs muffled but still present. Aravind felt helpless for a moment but then smiled softly. "Stupid girl," he whispered, his tone warm with affection. "Of course, I love you too."
He kissed her forehead, and gradually, she calmed down, loosening her grip around him. Still, she tightened her hold, resting her head on his chest again, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I love you so much," she said softly.
Aravind smiled, his voice light. "I know."
Just as they were wrapped in their moment, the bedroom door suddenly opened. Suryakantham stepped inside, grinning mischievously. "Hey, don't forget about me."
Aravind smiled as he shifted slightly, his hand reaching out toward her. Suryakantham's eyes sparkled, and with a playful smile, she quickly moved toward the bed, lying beside him. Without hesitation, she hugged him, her head resting on his chest, mirroring Chandni's position.
Aravind chuckled softly, continuing to pet her head. Chandni, lifting her head slightly, looked at Suryakantham and teasingly said, "He's mine."
Suryakantham raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "But before that, he's mine," she replied, her voice filled with playful defiance.
Aravind rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched the two girls banter. He felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that, despite the teasing and playful rivalry, they cared for him just as much as he cared for them. He couldn't help but laugh quietly at their lighthearted argument, his arms instinctively pulling both of them closer.
(A/N: Hey guys, what do you think about Dr. Sarah, played by Nidhhi Agerwal? Should we add her to the harem? Initially, I didn't consider her, but I have some ideas. If you'd like, please share them so I can decide on the future plot)