𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝚰𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃 (𝐑𝐄𝐕𝚰𝐒𝐄𝐃)

Chapter 20

Author's POV

As Siddhart stood there quietly, his eyes fixed on Avneet from across the haldi venue, a waiter—juggling a tray of cold drinks—accidentally bumped into him. The glass slipped from the tray and shattered at Siddhart’s feet, splashing juice on his kurta.

Before Siddhart could react, Ashi rushed over, panic flooding her expression.
"Baby, are you okay?" she asked, grabbing his hand to check for cuts. Then she turned sharply toward the waiter, her expression turning fierce. "Can’t you see properly? I’ll sue you for this!"

The waiter immediately dropped to his knees, hands trembling.
"Ma’am, I’m sorry. Truly. The guests were rushing me. I was only trying to do my job. I have a wife and a little daughter to feed… Please don’t sue me."

Before Ashi could speak again, Avneet stepped forward, her eyes burning with fury. She helped the waiter to his feet, shielding him with her body.
"Are you serious right now?" she snapped at Ashi. "This is how you treat people who are just trying to earn a living? You want to ruin his life over a kurta?"

Ashi’s eyes narrowed. "That kurta was special. I picked it out for him."

Avneet scoffed. "Oh, so now Siddhart can’t afford another kurta?"

"Shut up before I tear that mouth of yours," Ashi hissed, pointing a manicured finger at her.

Just then, Nandini arrived, alarmed by the scene. She grabbed Ashi's arm, her voice low and urgent.
"Enough! The guests are watching. Ashi, please behave." She turned to Avneet with a regretful smile. "I’m so sorry, beta."

Avneet folded her arms. "It’s not your fault, aunty. It’s your daughter’s."

Ashi whined like a child, "Mooom… this bit—"
Nandini quickly covered her daughter's mouth, hissing, "Stop it. Right now."

Meanwhile, Siddhart stood silently through it all, as if detached from the scene. His eyes were distant. And then suddenly, he clutched his forehead.

"My head… I need to go to the guest room."

"I’ll come with you," Ashi said quickly, concern flickering in her voice.

"No," Siddhart cut her off, almost coldly. "You should tend to the guests."

He turned and walked away before she could protest again.

Avneet watched him go. Her chest tightened with worry, and no matter how much she tried to convince herself otherwise, she couldn’t stay still.

---

Avneet's POV

I knocked gently on the guest room door, and through the faint wood I could hear murmurs. He sounded… restless.

"Come in, Ashi," he groaned.

I stepped in and softly replied, "It’s me. Avneet."

He looked up, startled, his eyes dull with pain. Clearing his throat, he asked, "Why are you here?"

"I was worried about you," I said honestly. "Are you okay? What's happening to you?"

Siddhart sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing his temples. "I don’t know… My head’s killing me. This entire day—it’s too much."

I moved closer. "Do you need anything?"