can you mend the broken✓(Editing)

4 : Deal?

Sidharth paced the room restlessly, the soft creak of the wooden floor under his feet echoing his unease. Every few seconds, his eyes darted toward the door, silently begging for Shehnaaz to walk in—just like she used to. Those little moments when she’d call him softly to eat, brush his hair back when he was stressed, or smile at him with such warmth. Back then, he never understood how precious she was, how much she anchored his chaotic world.

Now, as the silence stretched around him, the weight of his ignorance pressed down harder than ever.

Their relationship had always been tangled with unspoken words and distant glances. They rarely talked about their feelings or fears. They had taken the next step in their marriage simply because it was expected—because that’s what couples did. As a man, Sidharth had needs; as his wife, Shehnaaz had to comply, ready to fulfill her role. She never voiced her discomfort—because she knew she had to, because she loved him quietly in her own way.

Sidharth sat heavily on the edge of the bed, rubbing his temples, trying to steady his swirling thoughts. He thought about her smile—soft, radiant, and filled with unspoken hope. How many times had he caught himself watching her, mesmerized by her presence? Yet, he never truly understood why she clung to him, why she cared so deeply.

If only he had seen it once, if only he had opened his heart, maybe they could have been happy.

Flashback starts

Shehnaaz stood at the doorway, her voice carrying a mixture of frustration and care.
“You’re late again, Sidharth.”

“I was working, Shehnaaz. I’m tired,” he replied, dropping onto the bed with exhaustion weighing him down.

Shehnaaz moved behind him, her fingers gentle and deliberate as she massaged the tight knots in his shoulders, hoping to ease his stress.

“Better?” she asked softly.

“Yeah,” he said, a small smile breaking through his weariness.

After a while, he gently stopped her by taking her hand in his.
“That’s enough. I just want to sleep.”

Shehnaaz shook her head, her eyes warm but firm. “No. You should eat something first. Don’t sleep hungry.”

“I’m not hungry,” he said, but she didn’t listen. With loving persistence, she fed him small bites, her touch filled with affection. It was the most intimate care he’d ever known.

“Thank you,” he whispered, feeling a rare softness in his heart.

Flashback ends.

Sidharth glanced at the clock—10 PM had passed. Still no sign of Shehnaaz. Panic gnawed at him. Should he call the office? Just then, the door opened, and Shanaya stepped in without knocking.

“Hi, Shanaya. How are you?” Sidharth greeted, trying to mask his concern.

She ignored him, heading straight to Shehnaaz’s room and hurriedly packing clothes and files into a bag. Sidharth followed, alarmed.

“What are you doing? Where’s Shehnaaz? Is she okay?” he demanded.

Shanaya’s eyes blazed with anger and sarcasm. “Thanks for your concern, but she doesn’t need it, Mr. Sidharth. You’ll get divorce papers soon. Because of you, she’s suffered. I don’t need your fake sympathy.”

His face darkened. “Do you really think I want a divorce? What did I say to her? I never meant to hurt her.”

Shanaya’s voice grew fierce, gripping his collar. “You act like you don’t remember, but she knows everything you thought of her. You don’t deserve her. She cried every night because of you. You changed her—and you broke her.”

Her eyes filled with tears, but she wiped them away sharply.

“If she was such a burden, why marry her? Why take things further? Why make her pregnant?” Shanaya’s voice cracked with emotion.

Sidharth’s shock turned into frustration. “I didn’t know she was pregnant! How was I supposed to support her? I only found out this morning.”

His anger rose, confusion mixing with regret. He had been too busy, too distracted.

“Don’t pretend you care now. When was the last time you called her? Asked how she was doing?” Shanaya’s voice was harsh.

Sidharth’s fists clenched. “We’re husband and wife. What we did was normal. She was willing. I never forced her. How could I know if she didn’t tell me?”

Shanaya’s voice cut sharper. “She gave permission, yes. But wasn’t it your duty to check if she was okay? You never called. Why leave her alone?”

Sidharth’s anger flared. “Fine, then what? Tell me—what should I have done?”

Shanaya’s gaze hardened. “It’s not easy to hear, but I’ll tell you the truth—only if you promise to divorce her.”

His heart sank. Divorce was unthinkable. His parents adored Shehnaaz and would never accept it.

“What? Are you serious?” he demanded.

“Yes. Now, tell me—deal?” Shanaya pressed.

Sidharth slammed his hand on the wall. “Fine. Tell me.”

Shanaya took a deep breath and began.

“The day you left with your parents, Shehnaaz fainted. That’s when she found out she was pregnant. I was busy with exams, so she had to manage alone. She tried calling you, but you never answered. She wanted to tell you face to face—she was scared but hopeful.”

Sidharth opened his mouth, but Shanaya raised a hand to silence him.

“That day, she was excited to see you. But when she came back, she was shattered. You don’t respect her—and she knows it. She called me, screaming, ‘I lost everything. My baby won’t be illegitimate, right?’ I rushed to her place, but she wasn’t there. The next day, some of your employees found her unconscious at work and took her to the hospital. And you didn’t even ask what happened.”

Sidharth’s voice trembled. “How is that my fault?”

Shanaya’s slap echoed sharply. “It’s your fault! You broke her beyond repair.”

She turned toward the door, her eyes burning with anger, but Sidharth’s whispered voice stopped her.

“Don’t forget—the child was mine too.”

Sidharth stood alone, the weight of his mistakes crushing his chest. If only he had been there. If only he had listened. If only he had loved her the way she deserved.
___________

What would you do if you were in Sidharth’s place? Would you fight to rebuild the broken trust or walk away forever?