Avni
đź“Ť Royal palace
Lucknow
India
"What? You guys want to hang out all night!?"
Mumma's sharp voice echoed through the grand living room, bouncing off the high ceilings and intricate chandeliers. Her eyes, as sharp as ever, flicked between me, Athrav, Ritvika, Aksh Bhai, and Ishani, each of us standing frozen as if caught mid-crime.
It was almost comical-five adults reduced to guilty children under the weight of her stern gaze. But this wasn't about sneaking candy; this was our post-exam freedom at stake.
I glanced at Ritvika, who shifted uncomfortably beside me, her eyes narrowing in silent rebellion. Ishani, on the other hand, slumped her shoulders in disappointment, looking like a puppy that had just been scolded.
Poor Ishani. At 18, she was the youngest in the family, the baby of the house, but we never left her out. She deserved to be part of the crew, and tonight was supposed to be our big night.
Apart from the responsibilities of being princesses and heir and all.
Mumma's eyes zeroed in on me. "It's not like we're doing anything bad, Mumma..." I started, but the raised brow she gave me shut me right up.
Then, just as things couldn't get worse, Chachi ji chimed in from the kitchen doorway. "If you all want to celebrate, why not do a Jagrata for Devi Maa? At home." She said it like it was the most logical suggestion in the world.
Seriously? A Jagrata? On our celebration night?
I blinked, speechless. Next to me, Atharv dragged a hand down his face, probably mentally cursing his luck.
Before I could figure out how to handle this situation, Ritvika stepped forward with her usual boldness.
"Jagrata?!" She exclaimed, her arms flying up in frustration.
"I mean, no disrespect to Devi Maa, but we don't want to sit around chanting all night. We just passed our exams with distinction-hell, Avni even topped!" Her voice was rising, but there was no stopping her once she got going.
For a second, I thought Mumma might explode, but Aksh Bhai swooped in to save us all. He stepped forward, his hands raised in that diplomatic way of his, calm and composed.
"Mumma, Chachi ji, what Ritvika is trying to say is that we've been working really hard. We just need a break tonight. A Jagrata can happen another time, but let them enjoy this moment."
There was a beat of silence. Mumma and Chachi ji exchanged glances while I held my breath, praying Aksh Bhai's smooth-talking would work. His calm, composed voice carried the weight of reason.
Aksh Bhai continued,
"They're responsible, they've done well. One night won't hurt."
I couldn't help but admire his diplomatic tone. Mumma sighed, and I saw the tension in her shoulders relax ever so slightly. Chachi ji still looked skeptical, but Aksh Bhai's words clearly made an impact.
His words were smooth as silk, and as he spoke, I noticed Mumma's tense posture softening just a bit. Chachi ji wasn't convinced yet, but Aksh Bhai knew how to handle this.
"They're responsible kids," he continued. "They've done so well. One night of fun won't hurt."
The room held its breath as Mumma and Chachi ji exchanged glances. I clutched the edge of my kurti, praying silently for a miracle.
Then, finally, Mumma sighed, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Fine. But be back early. And no nonsense!"
We exhaled in unison, a wave of relief passing through the room. Aksh Bhai gave me a quick wink, and I couldn't help but grin. He always knew how to save the day.
Across the room, Papa ji and Chacha ji sat on the couch, watching the whole exchange like they were watching their favorite drama on TV. They shared amused looks but stayed quiet, probably because they were trying not to laugh.
Once the negotiation was settled, we bolted upstairs to get ready. Tonight was going to be epic, and we had to look the part. We agreed to match in black, naturally-if we were going out, we had to look like the coolest crew in town.
Me, Ishani, and Ritvika all wore black dresses, each adding our own personal touch. Standing in front of the mirror, I had to admit, we looked hot as hell.
We snapped a quick selfie, capturing the excitement buzzing between us, our faces glowing with anticipation.
When we stepped out into the hallway, I stopped short. Three of the hottest men in the world—Athrav, Aksh Bhai, and… Rudra—stood there waiting for us, each dressed to perfection.
But my eyes locked onto Rudra. My breath hitched.
My bodyguard. Older, wiser, and so dangerously composed, he was like fine wine—aged to perfection and dangerously smooth. His sharp black suit accentuated his rugged charm, and I could sense the seriousness beneath his cool exterior, likely already planning how he'd keep an eye on us all night.
He was like a storm bottled up, his presence commanding and watchful.
Before I could stop myself, I glanced at Ritvika, expecting some snarky comment. Instead, I caught her, and even Ishani, staring wide-eyed at the guys.
Not just the girls. Even Athrav and Aksh Bhai were momentarily caught off guard.
I locked eyes with Rudra. His gaze was intense, and for a fleeting moment, I wondered if there was something more—perhaps a flicker of approval or... curiosity?
We both cleared our throats at the same time, breaking the spell.
Athrav grinned. "Ready, ladies?"
Ishani gave a mock bow. "Born ready."
As we made our way out Atharv broke the silence once more.
"Phew, that was close," Athrav muttered as we made our way down the driveway. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, but I could see the lingering tension in his face. "For a second, I thought we'd be chanting bhajans instead of partying."
Ritvika scoffed. "A Jagrata. Who suggests that for an exam celebration?" She shook her head dramatically. "No offense to Devi Maa, but I was hoping for music, food, and maybe some dancing-not chanting."
I burst out laughing. "Vikku, your mouth is going to get us into trouble one day."
She winked. "Worked today, didn't it? Admit it, Avni, you were thinking the same thing."
I elbowed her playfully. "Okay, fine, maybe a little. But still, I didn't think Mumma and Chachi ji would cave so easily."
"That's what having a secret weapon like Aksh Bhai does," Ishani chimed in, her admiration for our older brother clear in her voice.
We all glanced at Aksh Bhai, walking ahead with his usual calm confidence. Everything was smooth and simple with him around.
"Not bad, right?" He glanced back with a playful smile.
"Masterclass," Atharv teased, giving him a mock bow.
I chuckled. "We owe you one, Bhai."
He shrugged it off, "Just don't push your luck. Mumma's going to be texting all night, and you know it."
We groaned in unison. Mumma's overprotective streak was legendary, and we all knew she'd be checking in every fifteen minutes, making sure we weren't up to anything wild. Spoiler: we probably would be.
As we reached the limo waiting for us, Athrav revved the engine and smirked through the rearview mirror. "So, where to first? I say we kick things off with some street food. Been craving chaat all week."
"Chaat?" Ritvika wrinkled her nose. "We just finished exams, and your first thought is food?"
I giggled. "Athrav's stomach leads him everywhere."
"Exactly!" Athrav grinned. "And I know you're craving it too."
"We should hit the club...you know, for some dancing and all." She winked mischievously.
We all knew where she meant-her father's business club, exclusive and the perfect place to celebrate.
After indulging in some of Lucknow's best street food, we found ourselves at the entrance of the club-one of those exclusive spots Ritvika's dad owned. The neon lights buzzed overhead, and the thumping music vibrated through the air, calling us in.
Inside, the energy was electric. The lights flashed in rhythm with the music, and we dove straight into the pulse of the night. The three of us girls danced like there was no tomorrow, laughing, spinning, and losing ourselves in the moment.
But even as we danced, I felt Rudra's presence on the edge of the room, his gaze never straying too far. Always watching. Always vigilant.
He was still in bodyguard mode, standing near the edge of the room, his gaze sharp as ever..
But we didn't care. Tonight was ours, and we were going to enjoy every minute of it.
"More shots!" Ritvika called out, her face flushed with excitement.
Ishani leaned on me, giggling. "I don't think I can walk straight anymore!"
"Who needs to walk straight when you can dance in circles?" I laughed, spinning her around.
But eventually, the boys stepped in. Aksh Bhai was the first to intervene. "Alright, girls. I think that's enough. Time to call it a night."
"Noooo!" Ritvika whined, clinging to Kabir. "We're just getting started!"
"You're done," Athrav said, amused but firm as he gently pried her off.
Rudra's hand barely touched my elbow, but the warmth from that simple gesture sent a shiver down my spine. I tried not to let it show, but the look in his eyes made me wonder... did he notice?
"Come on, Avni. Time to go." He said softly.
I pouted up at him, swaying slightly. "But we were having so much fun!"
"I know," he said softly, "but let's get you home."
Ritvika, still resisting, piped up. "Let's walk home! I want to walk!"
Athrav exchanged a look with Rudra and Aksh Bhai, clearly exasperated. "Fine. We'll walk. But no more drinks!"
We stumbled out into the cool night air, laughing, our footsteps echoing on the quiet streets of Lucknow as we walked down the road together, the night still alive with the buzz of excitement.
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