River & Desert

Part 14

Despite his simmering anger and resentment towards his family, Adhrit escorted Mitali to her room. His integrity and compassion had left Mitali in awe of him. She couldn't help but feel guilty for being the cause of the feud between him and his family, especially with the way he held her hand so gently, as if it were fragile. The man leading her to her room captured her attention, making her hazel eyes sparkle and her heart skip a beat. Adhrit Sinha was a puzzle she couldn't wait to solve. Everything she had learned about him so far only fueled her curiosity and desire to know more.

As they walked through the grand teak doors, they were greeted by a room that could easily fit her entire living room at home. The clean white walls and simple furnishings immediately caught her attention. However, her disappointment grew as he withdrew his hand from hers and placed them in his pockets.

"Ms. Pathak, this is where you'll be staying during your visit," he informed her. "Please let me or the staff know if there's anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable."

As she stepped into the room, she couldn't help but appreciate its amenities: a powerful central air-conditioner that kept the room cool and comfortable, and a large 40-inch LED TV mounted on the wall across from the bed. "Wow, Mr. Sinha, this is amazing. Thank you," she said with practiced professionalism, pushing aside any personal admiration for him. Adhrit simply nodded in response. "Please, have a seat," he gestured to the plush brown recliner-chair nearby. Mitali sank into the chair gratefully and removed her shoes before settling in. "Is there anything you'd like? Something to drink or perhaps breakfast? Don't hesitate to let the staff know if you have any special requests."

After receiving news of the successful artificial insemination process, he took it upon himself to learn about the physiological changes a pregnant woman experiences. He hoped this knowledge would make her journey more comfortable.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but could I have some lemonade? I've heard it helps with morning sickness," she asked hesitantly.

Her relatives and neighbors' cruel taunts had silenced her and made her afraid to speak up. However, for the sake of her unborn child, she was determined to prioritize her well-being and take any necessary precautions. She was willing to put aside her reservations in order to ensure the safe birth of her baby.

As he turned to leave, he promised her that he would get the items she needed right away. But just as he was about to step out, she stopped him with a sudden thought.

"Mr. Sinha," she called out.

He turned around to face her, surprised by her unexpected interaction. She had always been distant and mysterious towards him.

"How can I occupy myself for an entire day? I'm not used to being so inactive. And I don't want to offend you, but I think it's best if I don't interact with your family."

Adhrit couldn't help but smirk at her words.

"You're right. Perhaps you've never had the chance to explore your less productive hobbies and interests due to constantly being busy. Now is the perfect time to pursue them," he suggested.

He desperately longed to unravel the depths of her mind, to discover the intricacies of her passions and desires. With a hopeful heart, he yearned for a glimpse into the enigmatic woman standing before him - a woman who exuded practicality and selflessness.

But as he held his breath, waiting for her response, he couldn't help but remember their past interactions filled with cold indifference. He knew better than to let his hopes soar.

She mulled over his words, her mind racing until it hit her like a ton of bricks. She knew exactly what she wanted.

"Is it possible for me to have a laptop? I don't mind paying the rental fee for the laptop and Wi-Fi. You can just deduct it from my contract payment," she asked, a small smile on her lips. The opportunity to pursue her dream was sending waves of euphoria through her body.

Adhrit raised an eyebrow in surprise and chuckled. "You never fail to amaze me, Ms. Pathak. Let's not worry about finances right now. In a few hours, you'll have a laptop with unlimited Wi-Fi."

"Oh, thank you so much!"

He was acutely aware of his racing heart when he saw her eyes light up with the idea. The hormones had brought upon a glow that accentuated her decadent smile and struck a chord with the strings of his heart, the first genuine one since they met.

"May I ask what's on your mind?" he inquired, unable to contain his curiosity. She had an enigmatic presence about her that piqued his interest. Perhaps he could uncover some of her secrets and quench his thirst for knowledge.

"I have a longing to pursue writing," she responded with a wry grin. "But my job at the call center, with its rotating shifts, never allowed me the time or energy to focus on my stories. Maybe this unexpected situation is a blessing in disguise."

The alluring curve of her face branded itself into his mind, haunting him with its perfection. But what truly captivated him was the fire that burned behind her radiant smile, fueled by an unbreakable passion that persisted through every trial and tribulation.

"I wish you great success in your writing career, Ms. Pathak," said Adhrit. "I'll take my leave now. We'll send over your laptop and lemonade shortly." After a quick exchange of greetings, he turned to leave with a curt nod.

A faint smile tugged at his lips despite his efforts to hide it. The mention of her writing piqued his curiosity, and he wondered about the different genres she may have explored. He made sure to instruct his housekeeping staff to attend to Mitali's needs and ensure her well-being.

The moment Adhrit Sinha turned his back and walked away, Mitali's heart sank. The once buzzing room now seemed to close in on her, leaving a void of emptiness in her chest. She longed for his presence as she clutched the empty space where he had stood just moments ago.

****

Two Weeks Later,

Mitali's fingers flew across the keyboard as she frantically typed out notes for her latest book. With each character she crafted, a sharp pang of pain shot through her stomach, growing more intense with every passing moment. Suddenly, a wave of wetness flooded over her and she doubled over in agony as cramps wracked her body.

As she ripped away the blanket, her heart plummeted into an endless chasm at the gruesome scene before her. Her once pristine yellow dress was now drenched in crimson, the blood pooling beneath her like a macabre throne. In a moment of terror and excruciating pain, the only name that escaped her lips in a desperate cry was his.

"ADHRIT!! ADHRIT!!" The sound echoed through the empty room, a haunting reminder of her desperate plea for salvation. Tears streamed down her face.

Adhrit Sinha was on his feet and running at full speed before he even realized it. The fact that Mitali Pathak had used his first name instead of his last name indicated that something serious was going on.

"Ms. Pathak? What's going on-"

The sight of the red stain on the bed and on Mitali's dress left him completely speechless. She was barely conscious, tears streaming down her face.

There was no question in his mind about what had happened.

Mitali had suffered a miscarriage.