ENTANGLED HEARTS

CHAPTER ONE

AUTHOR'S POV

It was a beautiful, sunny morning.

Golden sunlight slipped through the curtains of the Raichand bedroom, slowly spreading across the room. But the couple sleeping peacefully on the bed seemed completely uninterested in starting their day.

Or, more accurately, he seemed uninterested.

Because Aviraj Raichand wasn't exactly sleeping on the bed.

He was practically sleeping on his wife.

His head rested comfortably against Alayna's chest while one of his arms was wrapped securely around her waist. Alayna's hands were tangled in his messy hair, her fingers occasionally moving through the soft strands even in her sleep.

The sunlight finally landed directly across her face.

Alayna frowned, scrunching her nose before slowly opening her eyes.

The first thing she saw was her husband's head resting peacefully against her.

She stared at him for a few seconds before a soft smile appeared on her lips.

"Ye aadmi bhi na..." she murmured sleepily.

She gently pushed his shoulder.

Aviraj stirred.

He frowned in his sleep, tightened his hold around her for a second, and then—

Went right back to sleep.

Alayna's lips twitched.

"Unbelievable."

She leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his hair before carefully slipping out of his hold.

After freshening up and getting ready, Alayna stepped out of the washroom, dressed for the day.

Aviraj was still sleeping.

She looked toward the bed and noticed the sunlight falling directly over his face.

With a small sigh, she walked toward the window and pulled the curtains shut, blocking the sunlight from disturbing him.

Then she turned toward her sleeping husband.

A mischievous smile slowly appeared on her face.

She leaned over him and gently bit his cheek.

Aviraj immediately hissed.

"Alayna—!"

Before he could catch her, she jumped away from the bed and ran toward the door, giggling.

"Bye!"

"Come back here, kitten!"

But Alayna was already running down the stairs, laughing.

She reached the living room and found Vasudha and Riya sitting together.

"Good morning, Ma... Good morning, Di," she greeted them brightly.

Riya immediately looked at her.

"Bhabhi, yaar! How many times have I told you not to call me Di?"

Alayna blinked innocently.

"But why not? You're elder than me."

Riya slapped her forehead dramatically.

"Ohh goddd!"

Vasudha burst into laughter while Alayna simply smiled.

This was an everyday battle between the two.

Riya had told Alayna countless times to call her by her name. Sometimes she even begged her.

But Alayna never listened.

To her, Riya was older, and that automatically made her a Di.

Even though Riya was technically her sister-in-law, Alayna treated her just like her own elder sister.

Vasudha shook her head, amused.

"Okay, Riya, stop it now. She will never call you by your name. Ab chhod do usse."

Riya nodded while laughing.

Alayna turned toward Vasudha with a smile.

"Mamma, aaj kya banao?"

"Kuch nahi. Kyunki maine sab bana diye hain. Bas aapke husband ke liye salad bana do."

Alayna immediately nodded.

"Okay, Ma."

She walked toward the kitchen, tugging her saree pallu neatly into her waistband so it wouldn't get in her way.

She began cutting the vegetables for Aviraj's salad, humming softly to herself.

A few minutes later, footsteps approached.

Alayna looked up.

Reyansh walked into the kitchen.

His broad shoulders were slightly slouched, his hair messy, and his sleepy eyes clearly showed that he hadn't gotten enough rest.

The moment he saw Alayna, his expression softened.

"Bhabhi Ma..."

Alayna immediately smiled and hugged him.

"Good morning, Reyansh."

She pulled back and gently patted his cheeks.

"Good morning, Reyansh... aap bohat thake hue kyun lag rahe ho?"

Reyansh groaned dramatically before sitting down on a nearby chair.

"Arey bhabhi, wo aap aapke husband ko pucho na. Saala hamesha kaam karata hai. Teen din se overtime kar raha hoon, par gadhe ko samajh bhi aata hai?"

Alayna couldn't help but smile.

She walked over and gently ran her fingers through his messy hair.

"Main baat karti hoon unse, Reyansh."

Reyansh immediately looked hopeful.

"Haan karo. Aur kehna mujhe do din ki holiday de."

Before Alayna could respond, a deep voice came from behind them.

"Who wants a holiday?"

Reyansh's eyes widened.

He slowly turned around.

Aviraj stood at the entrance.

His upper body was bare, his broad shoulders and defined arms on full display, while his messy hair and sleepy expression made it obvious that he'd only recently woken up.

Reyansh immediately stood.

"Me, I want."

Aviraj stared at him.

"Koi holiday nahi hai. Chup. Chal jaake kaam kar."

Reyansh's face dropped.

"See, bhabhi?"

But before he could complain further, Aviraj walked toward Alayna.

His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.

Alayna barely had time to react before he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers.

She immediately tried pushing his chest.

"Avi..."

But his hold around her waist tightened for a moment before he finally pulled away with a soft pop.

Reyansh immediately closed his eyes.

Yes. I've seen this before.

Aviraj, completely shameless, kissed Alayna's forehead.

Her cheeks were already red like tomatoes.

"Avi, can't you behave?" she complained softly.

Aviraj simply winked.

"No, baby. I can't control it."

Alayna shook her head.

"Anyways, Reyansh wants two days' holiday. Give him."

Aviraj looked at her.

She gave him the biggest puppy eyes she could manage.

Aviraj stared at her for a few seconds.

Then he leaned closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear.

"Okay. But at night, we're going to do two more rounds."

Alayna's eyes widened.

She immediately glared at him.

"Avi!"

She quickly glanced toward Reyansh, wondering whether he had heard anything.

Reyansh was still looking exhausted enough to fall asleep standing.

Aviraj merely winked at her before turning toward his cousin.

"Fine, Reyansh. You can have your holiday."

Reyansh's entire face lit up.

"YES!"

He immediately walked over and hugged Alayna, practically throwing his entire weight onto her.

"Thank you, bhabhi!"

Alayna stumbled backward.

"Reyansh—!"

Before she could fall, Aviraj's hand immediately went to her back, steadying her.

Reyansh finally pulled away, grinning.

"Best bhabhi ever!"

He walked away happily.

Alayna watched him leave before turning toward Aviraj.

Slap.

She lightly slapped his cheek.

Aviraj frowned.

"What was that for?"

Slap.

She slapped him again, this time just as lightly.

"Because you don't behave in public."

Aviraj's hands settled on her hips as he pulled her closer.

"Because I can't control it, baby. And also, why would I control it to show my love in public? I love you, and I will never control it even in public."

His words softened her expression.

Aviraj leaned down because Alayna barely reached his bicep.

He pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

This time, she didn't push him away.

She responded for a moment before pulling back shyly, her cheeks once again turning pink.

Aviraj smiled.

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a warm hug.

"What a beautiful start to the day," he murmured.

Alayna laughed softly and pushed against his chest.

"Bas, bas. Ab aap jao aur get ready. You have to work."

Aviraj nodded obediently.

He kissed her cheek one last time before finally walking away.

Alayna shook her head, smiling to herself as she returned to the kitchen and continued preparing the salad.

And just like that, another chaotic morning in the Raichand household had begun.

Alayna happily finished preparing Aviraj's salad and, once everything was ready, began carrying the dishes to the dining table one by one.

By then, everyone had gathered for breakfast.

She carefully placed each dish on the table when suddenly a familiar pair of arms wrapped around her from behind.

"Good morning, bhabhi!"

Alayna immediately smiled.

"Good morning, Arhaan."

Arhaan hugged her for another second, completely unaware of the dangerous glare coming from the staircase.

Aviraj was walking downstairs.

And the moment his eyes landed on Arhaan hugging his wife, his expression darkened.

He didn't even bother saying anything.

He simply walked straight toward them, grabbed Arhaan by his hair, and pulled him backward.

"Ouch! Bhai!"

Alayna's eyes widened.

"Avi!"

She immediately slapped Aviraj's hand away.

"Chhodiye usse!"

Aviraj released Arhaan at once.

Arhaan rubbed his head with a dramatic pout before quickly hiding behind Alayna.

"Bhabhi, dekha? Der hamesha aisa karta hai. Sirf isliye kyunki woh mujhse bade hain!"

Alayna slowly placed both hands on her hips.

Everyone at the table exchanged amused looks.

They knew exactly what was coming.

Because whenever Alayna put her hands on her hips like that, Aviraj Raichand was about to receive an earful.

"Aap kyun aisa karte ho?" she scolded, narrowing her eyes at him. "Bohat zyada nahi chal rahe hain aapke haath, jo usse aise marte rehte ho?"

Aviraj folded his arms.

"Jaan, he doesn't have the right to touch you."

Alayna stared at him in disbelief.

"Shut up. He has! Aapko nahi pata. Ab chup. Chalo, salad khao."

Aviraj's lips curved into a smile.

Instead of arguing, he walked toward her, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her closer.

Alayna barely had time to react before he leaned toward her.

She immediately placed her palm over his lips and glared.

Aviraj smiled against her hand.

He kissed her palm before gently lowering it and pulling back.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he pulled out a chair for her.

"Sit."

Alayna rolled her eyes but sat down.

Aviraj took his seat beside her and immediately began serving food onto her plate.

"Avi, I can do it."

"No."

"There's no need."

"I know."

He continued serving her anyway.

Around them, the family simply watched the two with amused smiles.

Some were secretly admiring them.

Others were trying not to laugh.

Because Aviraj Raichand, the man who terrified everyone outside these walls, was currently making sure his little wife had enough food on her plate.

And Alayna, despite all her complaints, had the softest smile on her face.

Aviraj calmly ate his salad while Alayna continued eating her breakfast.

The peaceful family morning lasted for exactly a few more minutes.

Then a cheerful voice came from the entrance.

"How are you, babyyy?"

Everyone turned toward the door.

A beautiful girl stood there in a pretty floral pink dress, a bright smile on her face.

The moment Alayna saw her, her entire face lit up.

"Innu!"

She immediately got up and ran toward her.

Inara opened her arms, happily catching Alayna in a warm hug.

"Hi, Cutiee!"

Alayna hugged her tightly.

"Hello, everyone. Aunty, mamma sent some sweets for all of you."

Vasudha smiled warmly.

"Thank you, betu. Come, aur let's have breakfast."

Inara shook her head politely.

"No, aunty. You all continue. I'll just sit."

Before anyone could say anything else, footsteps echoed from the staircase.

Reyansh came downstairs, struggling with his tie.

Without looking up, he called out casually,

"Bhabhi, yeh tie baandh do yaar."

He lifted his head.

And froze.

Inara stood right in front of him.

Their eyes met.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

The noise of the dining room seemed to disappear.

The voices around them faded into the background.

It was just them.

Reyansh stared at the woman he had once known better than anyone.

The woman who had once looked at him with nothing but love.

The woman who had once called him—

Ansh.

And now?

She wouldn't even call him that anymore.

Alayna noticed the sudden silence between them.

She looked from Reyansh to Inara.

Then she deliberately cleared her throat.

Both of them immediately snapped out of their little world.

Alayna walked toward Reyansh.

"Give it here. Main baandh deti hoon."

She reached for his tie.

But before she could take it, Aviraj called from the other side.

"Alayna."

She turned.

"Haan, Avi?"

"Come here."

Alayna looked between him and Reyansh before smiling mischievously.

She turned back to Inara and placed the tie in her hands.

"Innu, please tie this for him."

Inara's eyes widened.

"Me?"

"Yes! Please, please."

Before Inara could refuse again, Alayna was already walking toward Aviraj.

Inara stood frozen for a moment, staring down at the tie in her hands.

Reyansh silently watched her.

She finally took a small step toward him.

Then another.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she lifted the tie and carefully wrapped it around his neck.

Reyansh noticed.

He gently caught her wrist.

Inara froze.

"Relax, Innu," he whispered.

Her eyes flickered toward him.

Then she softly corrected him.

"Inara... it's Inara."

Something inside Reyansh sank.

He slowly released her wrist.

"Okay."

Just one word.

But the disappointment in his voice was impossible to hide.

Inara lowered her eyes and continued tying his tie.

Her fingers moved carefully, almost mechanically, while Reyansh couldn't stop looking at her face.

He remembered the girl she used to be.

The girl who would smile whenever he entered a room.

The girl who would always call him Ansh.

The girl whose eyes once held nothing but love for him.

And then he remembered what he had done.

His jaw tightened with regret.

He wished he could go back.

He wished he could take back every harsh word, every moment that had pushed her away.

But regret couldn't change the past.

When she finally finished, Inara stepped back.

"There."

She forced a small smile.

Reyansh looked at her.

"Thank you."

She simply nodded.

Without saying another word, Inara turned around and walked out of the house.

Her breathing was heavier than usual.

She didn't tell anyone where she was going.

She just needed to leave.

Because standing in front of Reyansh had brought back emotions she had spent so long trying to bury.

Inside, Reyansh watched the doorway through which she had disappeared.

A sad smile touched his lips as his fingers moved over the tie she had just fixed.

Then Alayna's voice brought him back.

"Reyansh! Come for breakfast."

He immediately looked toward her.

"Yes, bhabhi. Coming."

He walked back to the table and finished breakfast quietly.

Soon after, Reyansh and Aviraj prepared to leave for the office.

Aviraj had barely reached the entrance when Alayna came running toward him, holding his phone.

"Avi! Aapka phone."

Aviraj smiled as she handed it to him.

Instead of taking it immediately, he leaned down and placed a quick kiss on her lips.

Alayna's cheeks instantly turned pink.

Reyansh, who was standing beside them, sighed dramatically.

"Kyun mujhe single feel karwa rahe ho dono?"

Alayna giggled.

"Toh aap bhi kar lo na shaadi."

She looked toward the neighbouring house.

"Ya phir main dhoondhu kisi ko?"

Reyansh immediately narrowed his eyes.

"Shut up, Alayna."

She grinned.

"Hehe... someone is blushing. Avi, see!"

Aviraj looked at Reyansh and smirked.

Reyansh shook his head.

"Both of you are impossible."

He suddenly ran after Alayna.

She burst into laughter and ran away, but before escaping, she quickly kissed Aviraj's cheek.

Aviraj laughed.

"Carefully, kitten!"

Alayna giggled as she ran inside.

Reyansh finally stopped chasing her, shaking his head with a smile.

He and Aviraj exchanged one last look before getting into the car.

The engine roared to life, and the two cousins drove toward the office.

Neither of them knew that while one man's morning had begun with the warmth of his wife's love...

Another man's morning had begun with the painful reminder of the woman he had lost.

That's it for today's chapter, guys! ❤️ I hope you all loved it. Please don't forget to vote and comment, and also tell me your favourite scene and dialogue from this chapter. 🥹💗

Stay tuned...🌷

~Author ZARA