Imperfectly Yours✓

11.

"Yashvi, are you okay?" Advik asked, glancing at his wife who was leaning against the car seat, her right hand resting above her head. They were heading back to the Mehrotra mansion after lunch, and the atmosphere felt unusually tense.

"I am your life partner, won't you even share what's going on in your heart?" He asked, not receiving any response. He pulled the car over to the roadside and gently moved her hand.

She opened her bloodshot eyes, filled with tears, and looked at him. "Can we talk later, please?" She requested in a hoarse voice. The pain was clearly evident in her voice, which broke his heart.

"If you want to talk, I am always here," he whispered gently and resumed driving.

"If I won't talk to you, whom will I talk to? I just need some time to collect myself," she said with a minuscule smile, caressing his biceps as she leaned back and closed her eyes. A small smile crept onto his lips as he looked at her with a sidelong glance, touched by her words filled with affection.

"We've arrived," Advik said, looking at Yashvi. However, he was surprised to find her fast asleep. Knowing she looked exhausted, he decided not to wake her. Instead, he handed the car keys to the valet and asked him to take care of their belongings. Then, he gently picked her up in his arms.

Although she stirred, Yashvi remained asleep, snuggling closer to his chest. Advik smiled and carried her inside. The whole family was gathered there and was surprised to see him holding Yashvi. When his mother began to speak, he shook his head to indicate that he couldn't chat right now. He went upstairs, and Adya followed him. She opened the door for him, and he gently placed Yashvi on the bed, tenderly stroking her hair. Advik tucked an unruly strand behind her ear and softly kissed her forehead. Moving towards the closet, he picked up her home slippers and placed them beside the bed. Then he went to the dressing table, picked up a grey claw clip, and set it on the bedside table alongside her phone, which he had taken from the pocket of his pants.

Moving to the foot of the bed, he removed her wedges and carefully covered her with a comforter. Yashvi immediately snuggled closer, seeking warmth in her sleep. Advik smiled and turned to go back downstairs, but his sister was watching him with dreamy eyes.

"You are down bad for her. You are so cute, bhai," Adya whispered loudly, making him glare at her. He quickly pulled her out of the room and closed the door behind them.

"Never knew my rough, tough brother could be such a softie for his lady love," Adya teased. She then dashed downstairs, announcing that her brother was completely smitten with his wife. Advik shook his head in disbelief and gently massaged his neck, which had become a bit stiff. He finally made his way downstairs, only to find his family sitting there with teasing smiles on their faces.

"Is everything fine?" his mother asked as a house help served him coffee. Advik looked at them, and after a brief internal struggle, decided to share the day's events.

"Uday Birla?" His mother asked after hearing what had happened, making him nod. She had been friends with Amrita and was already aware of her past.

"Amrita had already informed us beforehand about her past. Aakash, don't interact with that man again. I don't want us to cause any more hurt to Yashvi," his grandfather announced, to which his son immediately agreed.

"It would be better if you all don't mention this matter to her. She's feeling a bit down, but she'll be fine," Advik said, making everyone nod. He didn't want Yashvi to think that their family pitied her. 

"Amrita is such a strong woman. An inspiration indeed." His chachi said with admiration clear in her voice.

Advik, sitting with his family, found a moment of quiet introspection. He knew that love wasn't just about sharing the good moments; it was about being there for each other through the storms, holding your partner when they needed it most.