Ding dong, Ding dong" the doorbell went crazy.
Shapra was just awake and was walking in the hallway and in front of him was the front door.
"Who rings the bell at this hour…?" he mumbled, yawning like a sleepy panda.
Still in his loose T-shirt and one sock missing, Shapra shuffled to the door and pulled it open.
And there she stood.
A girl around his age, wearing a soft grey kurtha-surwal, with elegant threadwork near the neckline and sleeves. It hugged her frame just enough to be stylish without trying too hard. Her short, honey-blonde hair glinted in the morning sun—clearly dyed. Brown eyes sparkled, and that smile? Mischievous, but warm.
"Hi," she beamed. "Are you Shapra? I'm Avantika. Nice to meet ya!"
"Uh… yeah, hi," Shapra said, half awake, trying not to stare. "I'm Shapra. So… uh…"
He paused. His smile faded.
"…who exactly are you again?"
"I just said—Avantika," she replied, blinking.
"No, I mean—who are you? Like—why are you here?"
He was doing that confused half-laugh thing people do when they don't want to seem rude but are really just panicking inside.
Avantika casually leaned forward. "Call Grandma Sarvani. She'll tell you."
Still puzzled, Shapra turned his head and yelled into the house,
"Aamaaaa—someone's here claiming she's Avantika!"
In no time, Sarvani shuffled in, adjusting her shawl. The moment she saw the girl, her eyes lit up.
"Avantika?!" she gasped. "Oh my stars, come in, child! Come, come—don't just stand outside!"
And just like that, Avantika entered, giving Shapra a little wink as she passed him. "Told ya~"
Before Shapra could make sense of anything, a voice came from behind—
"Well well, so you're finally here."
It was Anvitha, wearing a casual top and loose pants, holding a cup of tea like a queen returning from battle. Avantika's eyes widened. "Mom!"
They hugged like long-lost sisters.
Then came the final blow—Ridhir stepped in, stretching his arms.
"Oh? She reached before me? Good."
Shapra's jaw dropped.
"She's YOUR daughter?!"
Ridhir scratched his head. "Yeah, I thought I told you—wait… did I forget again?"
"AGAIN!?" Shapra shouted, nearly knocking over a flower vase.
"Well, we moved here just now. I got transferred. Government job, you know," he grinned.
"So… are you guys staying here?" Shapra asked hesitantly.
Ridhir laughed, "What, scared we'll cramp your bachelor vibe?"
"No, no! I mean—"
"I was kidding! We bought a house nearby. Don't panic," Ridhir chuckled, patting his back.
Everyone laughed, including Sarvani. The air turned cozy, warm, almost sitcom-like.
Later that Day…
Avantika was exploring the house, dragging her suitcase with her, humming a silly tune.
Shapra leaned against the wall. "You always this… energetic?"
"You always this confused?" she teased back.
There was a playful spark between them already.
As she stepped into the guest room, she called out, "Hey, could you help me lift this bag?"
Shapra walked in to help—only to trip on a slipper and land face first on the bed… right beside Avantika, who yelped and grabbed his arm for balance.
They froze.
Face.
To face.
Close.
Way too close.
"Uh… comfy bed," Shapra whispered awkwardly, still half on top of her.
"Don't get used to it," Avantika whispered back, cheeks pink.
BOOM.
The door slammed open.
It was Anvitha.
"Oh my my~ already cozy, huh?"
And right behind her—Ridhir.
"Should I get the wedding invitations now or…?"
Sarvani peeked in. "Put a pillow between them at least!"
Shapra nearly rolled off the bed in panic, while Avantika facepalmed hard.
"You guys are the WORST!" she shouted, but she was giggling through it.
After sometime…
The group sat together for lunch at exactly 12:30 PM, just like always.
Chapatis, sabji, rice, and warm dal covered the table.
"So when's Viren returning?" Avantika asked, chewing slowly.
Sarvani looked up. "He'll be here tomorrow. He's also bringing Arvind."
"Arvind?" Shapra muttered, sipping water. "Wait—why?"
"Probably for trouble," Ridhir said. "As usual."
Everyone laughed.
Riiing.
Shapra's phone buzzed. 'Unknown number.'
He squinted. "Huh! Who is calling??"
Scene jumps where Viren and Arvind were sitting in front of each other on the sofa.
To be continued...