The Seven Phases Of Marriage

13. First step

"I am never going jogging with you again," Avni whined, holding her knees. She settled on a nearby bench, stretching her legs, and pouted, hearing him chuckle.

Avni twisted in bed all night, unable to sleep. Siddharth woke her up and suggested coming along.

"Frankly speaking, I expected you to faint long ago," Siddharth declared, sitting beside her. Most of his friends constantly complained when they went along, but she managed till they were inside the gates.

"I'm used to walking long distances. One habit I inherited from my uncle," Avni smiled, recalling the time she spent with her uncle.

They sat in silence for a few moments enjoying the fresh breeze.

"Close your eyes," Avni told Siddharth as he was about to grab his phone, hearing a notification.

"Why?"

"I hate your phone. It seems a tough competition," Avni giggled, snatching away his phone and tossing it into her pocket.

"Alright, Wifey! Your wish is my command," Siddharth exclaimed, closing his eyes.

"Much better," Avni giggled, leaning onto his shoulder.

"Do you hear those birds chirping?"

"No," Siddharth blurted out, unable to focus. The only thing he could feel was the changes in her and the growing attachment.

There was a time when she felt strange in his mere presence. This is the time where they felt comfortable and close enough, trusting each other. It indeed gave him hope that their relationship could progress well.

Avni ran to a nearby sink and puked everything she ate at night. She denied Siddharth's help who came near, but he didn't care. He covered her ears and held her while she felt her feet numb.

"I told you not to come," Avni mumbled, disappointed, taking the water bottle from his hands.

"In sickness and in health. Remember?" Siddharth insisted on carrying her on his back.

--

"Yeah, Gaurav. Mail the final report. I'm working from home today," Siddharth spoke on the phone, descending the stairs in casuals.

"I'm completely alright. You go to the office," Avni suggested interrupting him.

"I'll call you back," Siddharth cut the call and turned to her.

"I'm not going, and that's final," Siddharth muttered, tired of her recklessness towards her health.

"Now listen to me very carefully. Any negligence towards your health is not acceptable," He added in a no-nonsense tone glaring at her.

Avni was tongue-tied and scared by the direct threat. The terrifying glares reduced these days as he indirectly monitored her meals from the office.

The question that lingered in her head for very long was answered at that moment. His one glare had the power to control the entire office no matter how sweet he was at other times.

She mustered up the little courage left in her and was about to speak up when he declared, "Don't you dare! You have no right to ruin my wife's wellness."

A shiver ran down her spine as he uttered the most beautiful words. None ever claimed their rights over her apart from her parents.

She was slightly hesitant about his acceptance which now got cleared. The way he confidently yelled at her made him hers entirely.

They finished their breakfast in pure silence, with Avni peeking at him now and then.

"Siddharth," Avni began, and he walked away without bothering to acknowledge.