Chapter 11

It was a lazy afternoon at Abhiman's family home. Jeevika had just finished her chores and was sitting at the dining table with Veer and Riddhi, chatting and laughing. The atmosphere was light, and as usual, Veer and Riddhi couldn't resist teasing her.

"Hey sister-in-law," Veer started with a mischievous grin, "your Abhiman brother is so simple. Does he ever do anything romantic with you?"

Riddhi burst into laughter. "Yeah, sister-in-law, we think Abhiman brother doesn’t even know how to be romantic!"

Jeevika blushed a deep shade of red, trying to play it cool. She knew they were only teasing, but the topic always made her a bit self-conscious. "Don’t talk nonsense, you two. Your brother isn't like that," she replied, trying to defend Abhiman.

"Then tell us the truth, sister-in-law," Veer leaned closer, his grin widening. "Has Abhiman brother ever surprised you? Complimented you or done something romantic?"

Jeevika chuckled nervously. "Well, your brother doesn’t really know how to do all that. I have to do everything."

Riddhi’s eyes lit up as she joined in, "So, everything, sister-in-law? Even the romance?"

Unable to resist the banter, Jeevika nodded with a laugh, "Yes, everything. Even the romance!"

Just as the words left her mouth, they heard someone clearing their throat behind them. The teasing stopped abruptly as all three turned to see Abhiman standing in the doorway, arms crossed, an amused smirk on his face.

"So, I don’t do anything, hmm?" Abhiman said, raising an eyebrow.

Veer and Riddhi’s eyes widened in shock. They had no idea Abhiman had been listening. "We… we were just joking, brother!" Veer stammered, quickly standing up and grabbing Riddhi's arm.

"Yeah, brother, it was just a little joke!" Riddhi echoed, her voice slightly higher with nervousness.

"We’ll be leaving now," Veer said hurriedly, and before anyone could stop them, both Veer and Riddhi bolted from the room, running towards their rooms as if they had just seen a ghost.

Jeevika, left alone with Abhiman, felt her cheeks flush as Abhiman slowly approached her. His expression was playful, but there was something else in his eyes—something that made her heart race.

"So… you think I can’t be romantic?" he asked, his voice low and teasing as he stood in front of her, hands resting on the back of her chair.

Jeevika bit her lip nervously, unsure of how to respond. She tried to laugh it off. "It was just a joke. You are romantic… sometimes."

Abhiman leaned in closer, his face now just inches away from hers. "Sometimes, huh?" he murmured. "Well, I suppose I’ll have to show you now."

Jeevika’s breath hitched as she felt the heat of his gaze. She tried to keep her composure, but the closeness between them was making her heart beat faster.

Before she could say anything, Abhiman gently took her hand and pulled her to her feet. His hand slipped around her waist, pulling her even closer. "I don’t do anything? You have to do it all?" he whispered, his lips brushing her ear.

Jeevika felt a shiver run down her spine. She was suddenly aware of how close they were, and all her teasing confidence from earlier had vanished. "I… I was just… joking in front of Veer and Riddhi," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

Abhiman chuckled softly, his breath warm against her skin. "But this isn’t a joke now," he said, tilting her chin up so that their eyes met.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. The playful teasing from earlier was forgotten, replaced by a deeper, more intense connection. Jeevika could feel the warmth of Abhiman’s hand on her waist, his thumb gently tracing small circles on her back.

Without breaking eye contact, Abhiman leaned down, his lips gently grazing hers in a soft, tender kiss. Jeevika closed her eyes, melting into the moment, her heart racing as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The kiss deepened, slow and sweet, as if time itself had stopped for them.

When they finally pulled apart, Abhiman looked at her with a soft smile. "And now? Do you still think I can’t do anything?"

Jeevika’s face was flushed, her mind still reeling from the kiss. She shook her head slowly, a shy smile playing on her lips. "No… definitely not."

Abhiman’s smile widened as he tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "Good," he said softly. "Because I’ll be taking my time to show you everything now."

Jeevika couldn’t help but laugh, feeling a warmth spread through her. Abhiman may not have been the playboy she once thought he was, but in this moment, she realized just how deeply he cared for her, and how well he understood her.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, Jeevika realized something else. This new life, this second chance, wasn’t just about revenge or making up for lost time. It was also about rediscovering love—and learning to trust again.

And with Abhiman by her side, she knew she was on the right path.

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