The Last Moments & Avinash and vishwa distance

🖤 His Sahiba

Chapter Three – The Last Moments

The days went on as though nothing had changed. To Vishwa, life was the same—her father’s laughter, his endless teasing, his silly songs at breakfast. But to Rajesh, every ordinary moment felt like a treasure slipping through his fingers.

🌙 Father and Daughter

“Papa!” Vishwa cried out in mock outrage, staring at the empty plate in front of her. “You ate the last paratha again!”

Rajesh folded his hands innocently. “What? Your Papa is old, beti. He needs strength to keep up with a stubborn daughter like you.”

“You’re not old, you’re shameless!” she huffed, crossing her arms.

He chuckled and leaned over, pinching her cheek. “Meri gudiya, I gave you the bigger one anyway. Don’t pretend you’re starving.”

She tried to stay angry, but her lips twitched into a smile. “Sometimes I wonder if you love parathas more than you love me.”

Rajesh clutched his chest dramatically. “Arrey, my princess! Parathas can fill my stomach. But you—” his voice softened as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face, “—you fill my heart.”

Vishwa’s eyes watered at his sudden tenderness. “You’re so cheesy, Papa.”

“Cheesy?” he laughed. “Wait until you hear my old Bollywood songs.” He broke into an off-key line, making her groan and throw a pillow at him.

Their laughter filled the small house, but behind his smile, Rajesh felt the ache of knowing he wouldn’t hear her laughter for much longer.

🌙 Quiet Garden

That evening, they sat outside under the stars. Vishwa leaned against his shoulder, scrolling on her phone.

“Papa,” she murmured, “if Mama was here… do you think she’d scold me as much as you do?”

Rajesh stilled, his throat tightening at the mention of Naina. He smiled faintly. “No, beti. She would have spoiled you even worse than I do. And I would’ve had to fight her for your attention.”

Vishwa laughed softly. “Mama sounds amazing.”

“She was,” Rajesh whispered, his eyes misty as he looked up at the stars. Naina… I’m coming to you soon. But how do I leave our gudiya behind?

He tightened his arm around Vishwa’s shoulders, pulling her closer. “Don’t ever forget, meri princess, you are the best thing she left me.”

🌙 – Rajesh and Avinash

Later that night, after Vishwa had gone to bed, Rajesh poured two glasses of whiskey in his study. Avinash sat across from him, watching the way his friend’s hands trembled slightly.

“Why do I feel like you’re hiding something from me?” Avinash asked.

Rajesh smirked faintly. “When did you become so suspicious?”

“I’ve known you twenty years,” Avinash replied firmly. “Your silences speak louder than your words.”

Rajesh sighed, raising his glass. “To friendship. To the brother who walked into my life when I had nothing and gave me more than blood ever could.”

Avinash clinked his glass. “To family.”

They drank in silence for a moment before Rajesh spoke again, his voice heavier. “Promise me, Avi… when the time comes, you’ll be there for my gudiya. She’s strong, but inside she’s still a child.”

Avinash’s jaw tightened. “Rajesh—”

“No arguments,” Rajesh said, his gaze firm. “Promise me.”

Avinash met his eyes, something shifting in his chest. “You have my word. I’ll never leave her.”

Rajesh smiled faintly, the lines around his eyes deepening. Good. Then maybe I can let go.

🌙 – A Father’s Goodnight

Before sleeping, Rajesh peeked into Vishwa’s room. She had dozed off on her books, her hand curled under her cheek like a little girl.

He quietly walked in, covered her with a blanket, and kissed her forehead. “Goodnight, meri gudiya,” he whispered, his heart breaking at the thought that one day soon, she’d wake up without him there.

As he walked out, he lingered at the door, whispering under his breath: Naina, I’ll be with you soon. But until then… let me hold onto our daughter just a little longer.

✨

Now the distance between Avinash and Vishwa

Age 15 – The Bicycle Incident

Avinash had always known Vishwa as Papa’s little gudiya—bright, mischievous, a whirlwind of laughter. But fifteen-year-old Vishwa was… different. Taller, sharper, more independent. He could feel it, even when she ran at him with her bicycle.

“Uncle Avi! Help me! The chain’s stuck again!” she yelled, frustration in her voice.

Avinash took a deep breath. Don’t… don’t get attached to these feelings. He knelt beside her, quietly fixing the chain, his hands brushing hers slightly. She looked up at him, eyes wide and trusting.

“Thanks, Uncle Avi! You’re the best!” she said, grinning.

Stop thinking like that, he scolded himself internally. She’s fifteen, she’s my friend’s daughter. Nothing more.

“Don’t call me that,” he muttered under his breath, tightening the bolt.

Vishwa frowned. “Call you what?”

“Nothing,” he said, forcing his voice steady. “Just… you’re growing up. One day, you won’t run to me for every little thing.”

She tilted her head. “But I like it when you help.”

And that smile… it burned him, though he’d never admit it.

Age 15 – First Period

It happened on a rainy afternoon. Avinash had just returned from work, and Rajesh was in the kitchen. Vishwa burst into the room, tears in her eyes.

“Papa… something’s wrong!”

Rajesh froze. “What happened, beti?”

“I .. I am bleeding…” she whispered.

Avinash stepped forward calmly, though his chest tightened. Years in the orphanage had taught him how to handle moments like this. He crouched, making himself smaller, softer.

“It’s natural, Vishwa. You’re growing into a young woman. Don’t be scared,” he explained gently.

Rajesh’s eyes were wide with panic. “How… what do I do?”

" Rajesh. I’ve got this,” Avinash said quietly.

When she finally stepped out, wrapped in a towel, her eyes red, Rajesh hugged her fiercely. “Meri gudiya… always my little girl.”

Avinash looked away, fighting the new, unsettling awareness: She’s not little anymore.

Age 16 – Birthday Cake Disaster

Her sixteenth birthday was loud, messy, and chaotic—the way only a Rajesh household could be. Rajesh had baked a cake himself, and it looked like a collapsed mountain.

“Papa! What is this?” Vishwa laughed, clutching her stomach.

“Your cake, meri gudiya!” Rajesh declared proudly.

Avinash suppressed a laugh. She’s radiant tonight… Her smile, unselfconscious, carefree—it hit him like a physical ache.

“Here, you try it,” Vishwa offered a piece.

He shook his head. “No thanks,” he said quickly, afraid that even a small touch, a small smile directed at him, would awaken feelings he couldn’t allow.

Vishwa’s brow furrowed. “You always say no these days…”

He swallowed hard, turning away. She’s still a child… she’s still just… Vishwa.

Age 17 – Festival Lights

Diwali night. Sparks flew from her hands as she twirled in the courtyard, laughter spilling into the darkness.

“Papa! Look!” she called.

Rajesh clapped proudly. “Meri princess lights up more than the diyas!”

Avinash stood near the gate, watching her. The golden glow reflected on her hair, her skin—it made him dizzy, his chest tight. He stepped back instinctively.

She’s growing up. Too fast. Too beautiful. I must… I must stay away.

“Uncle Avi! Hold the sparkler with me!”

He froze. “Careful.”

She pouted. “You’re no fun.”

Rajesh laughed beside her. “Ignore him. He’s serious at heart.”

Avinash forced a smile, but inside, every laugh, every carefree glance, felt like a dangerous pull he had no right to answer.

Age 18 – The Pull of Distance

By the time Vishwa turned eighteen, the distance between them was noticeable. She still adored him, but she chalked up his quieter demeanor to work stress. He avoided lingering touches, casual teasing, lingering gazes.

And yet… sometimes, in private moments, when she wasn’t watching, he would glance at her and feel it:

The way her hair fell around her shoulders, the curve of her smile, the sparkle in her eyes.

Stop it, Avinash, he whispered to himself. She’s not yours. You cannot feel this way. Not now. Not ever.

But when she laughed freely, or fell asleep with her head on Rajesh’s shoulder, or called him for advice… he couldn’t stay away completely.

The slow burn had begun.

✨

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