Shivika's pov
God, I am so fucking tired.
My neck and head hurt so much from all the heavy gold jewelry and tight pins. I pushed the bedroom door open, ready for an awkward talk, but the room was completely empty.
I let out a big breath.
My mind went back to an hour ago downstairs. I was shocked to see him. I hadn't expected him to be the one standing there, tall, unreadable, and distant.
Just drama for the guests, he only did it because people were watching. I couldn't stand this heavy saree for another second. It felt like carrying a ton of weight. I hurried over to the wardrobe, pulled out a loose cotton kurti, and went to change. Taking off the heavy clothes and wiping the makeup off my face felt like heaven.
Finally, I could breathe.
When I stepped back into the bedroom, I saw a big pile of gifts sitting on the table. But one small box caught my eye immediately.
His gift.
I walked over and picked it up.
Should I open it? What if he takes it back? What if he says, 'Give it back, that was only for show'? I frowned and gripped the box tighter. No way. Why the hell would I give it back? He handed it to me. It's mine now.
I open the gift, a quiet gasp slipped past my lips. Inside there was a pair of gold anklet adorned with small marquise-cut crystals forming leaf motifs along the chain. It was simple, elegant, and completely stunning.
A small, involuntary smile tugged at the corner of my lips.
His choice is actually really good. I quickly dropped the box on the table when I hear opening of the door. I turned and saw Rudraksh, he look at me for a second and then without uttering a single word, walked straight into the bathroom.
I let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding, I wish things were like they used to be between us, We used to talk. We used to be friends. Now we were just two strangers stuck in a marriage.
My eyes fell on my phone lying face-down on the bed. I walked over and picked up my phone. The screen lit up, a dozen of unanswered texts. missed calls. All sent to the same contact: Yash.
Not a single reply. Not even the decency of a two-word explanation. A bitter taste filled my mouth. It wasn't because I still loved him. No, never. You don't love a guy who lies to your face and cheats on you. You don't love someone who treats your love like garbage. You don't love someone who shattered your trust, threw away years of loyalty, and left you to pick up the pieces on the biggest day of your life.
I just want answers. That's all. An answer. After that, he can take his so called love and rot wherever he want.
I tossed the phone face-down on the side table, totally done with it. My whole body was aching. I lied into bed, pulled the blanket up to my chin. The sound of the shower was still buzzing in the background, but my eyes were too heavy to stay open. Within seconds, I fell fast asleep.
Next morning, I woke up and stretched, letting out a big yawn. But then my eyes fell on the clock on the wall.
10:30 AM.
The yawn died instantly in my throat.
"Oh, God. No, no, no..." A bolt of panic shot straight down my spine. It was barely my third day in this house, my sasural and I had slept past ten in the morning like a houseguest at a resort. I jumped out of bed, ran straight into the bathroom, and took a quick shower. I threw on a simple saree, combed my hair.
Taking a deep, steadying breath, I stepped out into the hallway and hurried down the grand, curving staircase.
Did everyone already eat? Were they waiting for me? Stupid why will they wait for you? It's already past 10:30. Uhh...
I walked toward the living room Maa and Choti Maa were sitting on the couch, and Dadu was resting in his big armchair, reading the morning paper.Taking a deep breath, I walked over,
"Good morning," My voice came out in a hurried, breathless rush. "I am so sorry. I don't know how my alarm didn't ring...I am so sorry I'm late."
Maa looked up and gave me a warm, gentle smile. "Oh beta, don't worry at all. There is no rule in this house that you have to wake up early. So just...relax."
Choti Maa stood up and looked at me with care. "Beta, you must be hungry. Come, sit down. Let me serve you breakfast."
"No, Choti Maa, please don't trouble yourself!" I said, stopping her. "I can do it myself."
"Shh, not a word," she chuckled, patting my cheek. "Just sit down. I'll be back in five minutes." With that, she walked straight into the kitchen.
I stood there, momentarily dazed by how easily they had dismissed my guilt, when another realization struck me cold. My manners.
Oh God, how could I forget? I immediately turned toward Dadu and bent down to touch his feet for his blessings. But before my hands could reach his feet, he held my hands and stopped me.
"No, beta," Dadu said gently, smiling as he placed his hand on my head. "Hamare ghar Betiya pair nahi chuti."
His kind words made my heart feel so light.
"Shivika, breakfast is ready!" Choti Maa called out from the dining room.
I walked over and sat at the dining table. A steaming plate of aloo parathas, fresh curd, and a cup of ginger tea were already waiting. I ate quietly, enjoying every bite, and once I was done, I cleared my plate and went back to the living hall to sit with them. Dadu took off his reading glasses and looked at me.
"Beta, when are you planning to start your work again?" Maa and Choti Maa also looked at me, waiting to hear my answer.
"From tomorrow, Dadu," I answered with a small smile.
Dadu nodded with an approving look."That is very good, beta. If you need anything, just let us know."
We sat and chatted for a little while, sharing light laughs. After that, I execuse myself and headed upstairs. I pushed the door open of his room. It was beautiful, expansive, and distinctly masculine. But as familiar as it was becoming, this space still didn't feel like mine. I walked over to the corner where all the gift boxes were placed. I sat on the carpet and began opening them one by one. There were nice perfumes, clothes, and decorative items. Then, my eyes caught his gift lying on a table.
I totally forget about it.
I picked it up and pulled the top open. I took anklets out and tied them around my ankles. As I moved my feet, they made a soft, sweet chiming sound. They looked so good on me, and I couldn't stop looking down and smiling. Suddenly, a loud vibration of my phone on the mattress startled me out of my thoughts.
I leaned over and picked it up from the bedsheet. The screen lit up, flashing the one contact name that instantly brought a wave of homesickness and comfort all at once.
A broad smile broke out on my face, and I quickly picked up the call. "Hello, Mummy?"
"Kesi hai meri beti? Sab theek toh hai na wahan? Tu theek se kha rahi hai na? Shivi, tu kuch bol kyun nahi rahi hai?"
(How is my daughter? Is everything okay there? Are you eating properly? Shivi, why aren't you saying anything?)
"Arre, arre, Mummy...saans toh lijiye! Mujhe bolne ka mauka dengi tabhi toh bolungi na?" She laughed softly on the other side.
(Oh, come on, Mom...at least take a breath! If you give me a chance to speak, only then will I be able to say something, right?)
"Mummy, yahan sab theek hai," I said gently.
(Mom, everything is fine here)
"Aur tu...tu theek hai na?"
(And you...you are okay, right?)
"Haan, Mummy, mujhe kya hoga? Main bilkul theek hoon, yahan sab log mujhe bohat ache se treat karte hai."
(Yes, Mom, what will happen to me? I am completely fine, everyone here treats me very well.)
"Aur Rudraksh? Woh kaisa treat karta hai tujhe?"
(And Rudraksh? How does he treat you?)
The world seemed to stop spinning. The smile slipped completely from my face, and my fingers tightened on the edge of my pallu until my knuckles turned white.
How could I tell her the truth? He didn't even look at me. When we were in the same house and room, he walked past me like I was air. To him, I didn't even exist.
You also didn't try to talk to him? Says my stupid brain.
Whatever.
"Hello? Hello, Shivika? Beta, sun rahi hai?" Maa's voice broke into my thoughts.
(Are you listening?)
"Haan, haan, Mummy..."
(Yes, yes, Mom...)
Mummy took a pause, and then she said very seriously, "Beta, sun meri baat. Agar wahan koi bhi problem hai, toh bas ek baar mujhe bolna. Hum divorce file kar denge, theek hai? Kisi baat ki chinta mat karna. Koi tere saath khada ho ya na ho, teri Mummy hamesha tere saath khadi rahegi."
(My child, listen to me. If there is any problem there, just tell me once. We will file for divorce, alright? Don't worry about anything. Whether anyone stands by you or not, your Mother will always stand by you.)
Hearing her words, a tear rolled down my cheek. I quickly wiped it with my hand, trying to keep my voice steady.
"I know..." I whispered softly. "Par main sach mein theek hoon. Aap chinta mat karo."
(But I'm really fine. Don't worry.)
❤️
After dinner was done, I saw Rudraksh walking toward his study. Maa told me not to worry about the kitchen and to go rest, but I stayed behind anyway to finish up the chores. In truth, I was just putting off what I had to do next. I needed to talk to him. Tomorrow, I was joining the hospital for work. Whatever the circumstances were behind our marriage, and however distant we were, he was still my husb-. With a quiet sigh, I dried my hands and walked upstairs.
I stood outside his study, took a breath, and knocked gently on the door and walked inside. He was sitting behind his large wooden desk, his eyes glued to his laptop. A stack of files lay beside him, and he was so busy that he didn't even notice me. I walked up to the desk and cleared my throat.
He stopped typing and looked up, looking surprised.
"Tum yahan?" he asked.
(You here?)
"Umm... I wanted to talk to you,"
He leaned back in his chair and nodded. "About what?"
"I'm joining the hospital from tomorrow,"
He didn't react at all. His face stayed completely calm. "I know."
I blinked, confused. "How?"
"Papa told me," he said simply. "He mentioned it earlier today."
"Oh," I replied, feeling a bit silly for making such a big deal out of coming here.
Oh..okay, now what??
"Good night," I said quickly.
Without waiting to see if he would answer, I turned around and left the room, closing the door behind me. I went straight to the bedroom, changed into my comfortable nightsuit, and climbed into bed, turning off the lights to go to sleep.
The piercing shrill of my alarm shattered the quiet room, tearing me straight out of a deep sleep.
Ugh, I really hate mornings.
I groaned, burying my face deeper into the pillow, fully intending to pretend the world didn't exist for five more minutes. But then reality slammed into my sleepy haze like a bucket of ice water, today was my first day at the hospital.
I kicked the duvet off instantly. Bolting upright, my eyes scanned the vast bedroom, but the couch was already cold, neat, and empty. I hurried to the washroom, brushed my teeth, took a quick shower, and changed into my clothes. After checking the time, I grabbed my bag and rushed toward the door. Just as I reached out, the door pushed open from the other side.
Thud.
"Ouch!" I gasped, bouncing back as my forehead collided with what felt like solid concrete.
Wait...when did they build a wall in the doorway?
I rubbed my forehead, opened my eyes, which closed due to sudden impact. It wasn't a wall at all. It was someone's broad chest, wearing dark workout t-shirt smelling faintly of cedarwood and fresh sweat.
Wow...wait, no. Focus, Shivi.
I quickly took two steps back. My gaze traced upward, past a ridge of collarbones, a sharp jawline, and straight into a pair of dark, blue unreadable eyes looking at me. It was Rudraksh.
"Good morning," he said in his deep, quiet voice.
"Good morning," I answered, my face suddenly feeling warm.
Without another word, he walked right past me and into the washroom. The door clicked shut, and I let out a long sigh of relief.
I went downstairs, The entire family was already seated around the long dining table.
"Good morning, everyone," I greeted with a warm smile as I slipped into an empty chair.
"Good morning, beta," Dadu smiled back warmly. "Ready for your first day?"
"Yes, Dadu."
A few minutes later, the steady rhythm of footsteps signaled his arrival. Rudraksh walked in, completely transformed from his gym self into an intimidating corporate presence, sharp three-piece charcoal suit, hair neatly styled, and cufflinks catching the chandelier light. He took his seat beside me, greeting the elders with a quiet nod and we all ate our breakfast in silence.
When he finished, he placed his napkin down and stood up. "I am leaving for the office," he announced.
He turned to walk away, but Dadu firm voice halted him in his tracks.
"Rudraksh, wait." He paused, "Yes, Dadu?"
"Drop Shivi at the hospital on your way," Dadu said casually, sipping his tea without missing a beat. "It's her first day, and it's practically on your route."
My eyes went wide. I snapped my head up, only to find him looking directly down at me, his dark eyes impassive, though a subtle twitch in his brow betrayed his surprise.
"Dadu, it's really fine," I hurried to say, waving my hands. "I can go-"
"Okay, Dadu," he cut me off smoothly, not letting me finish the sentence.
He shifted his gaze back to me, "I am waiting outside."
Before I could say anything, he turned on his heel and strode out the door, leaving me frozen in my seat with half a piece of toast in my hand. I quickly finished my toast, grabbed my bag, and ran outside.
Just like he said, he was already waiting for me. He was leaning against the sleek black car, head tilted down as his thumbs moved across his phone screen. But the second my feet hit the porchhe. He looked up. Those striking, vivid blue eyes caught mine instantly. Without breaking eye contact, he slid the phone into his pocket and stepped around to the passenger side, pulling the door open with an easy, practiced grace
"Thank you." I muttered, not looking at him as I slipped inside.
He didn't reply, just shut the door with a solid, heavy thud that cut off the rest of the world. A second later, the driver's side opened, and the scent of expensive cologne and cool morning air filled the space as he sat down.
I kept my eyes glued straight ahead through the windshield, my hands clutching my bag tightly on my lap. The silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. A minute passed. Two. But he didn't start the car.
Wait...don't tell me he forgot how to drive?
"Seatbelt"
Distracted by my own thoughts, I blurted out without thinking, "Haan toh lagao na."
(Go on, put it on then.)
I heard a soft chuckle beside me. "Tumne nahi lagai."
My eyes went wide. Heat rushed straight to my face. Uhh...What is wrong with you, Shivi?!
Flustered, I turned away and grabbed the strap, tugging at it frantically to cover my embarrassment. But luck wasn't on my side. I tried pulling the seatbelt across my chest, but this stupid strap stuck stiff and wouldn't give an inch. I yanked it harder. Nothing.
"Ugh, what the hell..." I muttered under my breath, fighting with the stupid strap.
A soft click echoed in the quiet car. Before I could even register the sound, he leaned all the way over to my side. My breath got caught in my throat. I immediately let go of the belt and pushed myself back, pressing hard against the seat just to put some distance between us. He was towering over me, his broad shoulders blocking the morning light, his face mere inches from mine.
"Relax," he said softly, his voice sending a sudden shiver down my back.
His arm brushed deliberately against my side as his fingers closed over the belt. With effortless ease, he pulled it loose, the fabric gliding smoothly in his grip. Slowly, deliberately, he drew the strap across my chest and clicked the buckle into the lock right beside my hip. But he didn't pull away. Instead, he lifted his gaze, striking blue eyes bore directly into mine, heavy with an intensity that burned right through all my defenses. In that tiny space between our lips, my heart hammered wildly against my ribs like it wanted to break free.
Unable to bear the sheer, dizzying weight of his stare, I quickly lowered my eyes, biting the inside of my lip to keep from visibly trembling. Slowly, he pulled back and settled into his seat, tossing one arm effortlessly over the steering wheel. As he shifted into drive and the car glided smoothly onto the road, and I finally let out the breath..I don't know I was holding.
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TO BE CONTINUE--
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