My Life Is Incomplete Without You

Chapter 14 - The Hours Between Us

He was still restless when we started driving. I knew how crucial these hours were, but more than reaching the destination, I wanted him to drive just to distract himself.

“Sanyukta, do you really think I should be behind the wheel right now?” he asked, clutching his head.
“You can do it, Randhir. Just focus on the road,” I said, trying to sound reassuring.
“This is hard. Can’t we just hire a driver?” he muttered, frustrated, barely covering a few metres.
“Randhir! Look at me,” I said, gently turning his face toward mine and cupping his cheeks. “What’s the most comforting moment of your day?”
“When I’m with you… When you touch me like this, all the pain disappears,” he said, voice low.
“Then don’t worry. I’m here with you, okay? Just breathe in, breathe out. Now try again.”

He did. He turned the engine on, laced his fingers with mine, kissed my knuckles, and began driving—silent, teeth clenched, but steadier.

“I told you. You're capable of anything,” I said, pressing his shoulder lightly.
“I feel like… Arghhh…” He gripped his hair. “Like I’m dying, Sanyukta. You know what I mean.”
“I do… But if it’s worth it, then why not?” I leaned over, rested my face on his arm from behind, and wrapped him in an embrace. “Now come on. Let’s go inside. Don’t you want to see the house? I’ve been so excited for this trip... with you.”

His eyes locked onto mine. And just like that, every trace of pain disappeared.

“Weren’t you excited too?” I teased, caressing his cheek.

He stared, breathless. “You always find a way to hunt down my pain, Sanyukta. I love you.”

He held my hands between his. “And this is the last time I’m saying that because... I don’t deserve you.”

“But I like hearing it again and again,” I smiled. “You know what every girl wants? A man who loves her like no one else. I may not have figured my feelings out completely, but I know I’m lucky to be loved like this.”

“I’ll keep you safe in my heart for life.”
“For now, keep me in your house, idiot,” I said, stepping out of the car.
“I recently heard a new meaning for that word,” he said while unloading the luggage.
“Oh? Do tell.”
“IDIOT – I Do Ishq Only Tumse.”
“That’s crazy!” I laughed. “Now make it a movie too.”
“It already is, in my head.”
“Shut up!” I walked ahead, giggling.

---

“Hello sir. I’m Murli, the caretaker,” an elderly man greeted.
“Hello, Murli,” Randhir replied, forcing composure.
“Sir… Your father mentioned you were coming alone.”
“Hello Kaka! I’m Sanyukta, his fiancée,” I interrupted with a bold smile.

“What?” Randhir choked.
“We didn’t get the chance to inform you, did we, Randhir?” I looked at him. His face was fierce.
“It’s alright, ma’am. I’ve cleaned everything. Let me help with the luggage.”

---

“Another lie,” Randhir muttered as we followed Murli inside.

“So what? Want to tell him the truth—that we’re living together, hiding out, healing your soul?”

He stared.

“Get better first. Then we’ll clear it all up. Who knows, this might actually come true someday.” I winked.

“Yeah, right,” he muttered, distracted again.

---

We finally entered through a grand gate. A two-floor white building, lush flower gardens, coconut trees, and cold breeze welcomed us.