An Ending is not the End

5. Don't You Dare ....

Rishi arrived at the doorstep and rapped on the door. Hyma, hearing the knock, opened the door with anticipation. However, as she greeted him, Rishi's demeanor shifted drastically; he behaved as if she were invisible, walking past her without a single acknowledgment. He made his way straight to his bedroom, displaying an air of indifference.

After a quick refresh, Rishi changed into casual attire and headed to the dining room. Without acknowledging Hyma's presence, he went to the table, found a glass, filled it with water, and began drinking. The room was heavy with tension, and Hyma, attempting to bridge the emotional gap, finally spoke up.

"Rishi, dinner is ready. Can I serve?" she inquired, hoping to diffuse the palpable unease.

His eyes shot daggers at her, an angry glare that spoke volumes. Ignoring her question, he started to move away, but Hyma couldn't let him retreat so easily. She reached out and grabbed his hand, a plea in her eyes. "Rishi, please," she implored.

He roughly pulled his hand away, his voice cutting through the tense air. "Don't dare to touch me." The atmosphere grew heavier as he held her gaze, a storm brewing within him.

With a sudden intensity, he gripped her shoulder, pulling her close. Their eyes locked, and he uttered " Don't dare to touch me" he repeated

She uttered, "Now who is touching me?"

he pushed her aside, walking away with determined steps, leaving Hyma standing there, her emotions tangled in the silent turmoil of their strained relationship. He disappeared into his bedroom, leaving the unanswered question lingering in the air.

As the door swung open, Mohan and Pavitra, Rishi's grandparents, stepped into the living room. Their faces lit up with surprise and joy upon seeing Hyma.

"Hyma!" Pavitra exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth.

Responding to the affectionate call, Hyma smiled and approached them. She gracefully took their blessings, a ritual that carried the weight of tradition and respect. Welcoming them into the living room, she ensured they were comfortably settled.

With a hospitable gesture, Hyma offered glasses of water to Mohan and Pavitra, who accepted gratefully. The clinking of glasses echoed in the room as they took sips and placed the glasses on the table.

Breaking the momentary silence, Mohan spoke, his voice tinged with regret. "I am sorry, Hyma, for the way Rishi married you. I am very happy that you made the right decision to come here. It was unexpected."

Pavitra, a wise and understanding presence, added, "Rishi is a very good person. It may take some time for you to understand him fully. Please be patient. I hope he didn't trouble you."

Hyma, with sincerity in her eyes, responded, "No, he didn't. I am fine, Granny." Her words carried a mix of assurance and a hint of the complexities beneath the surface.

Dinner is ready, you both freshen up and come, and please ask Rishi to join us," Hyma said warmly to Rishi's grandparents.

Pavitra, ever the curious one, was about to suggest, "Why don't you go and call him?" However, Mohan, sensing potential tension, subtly signaled her not to question.

Pavitra smiled, nodding in agreement, and replied, "Okay."

After a quick refresh, the grandparents made their way to Rishi's room. Rishi, standing by the window, noticed their shadows and greeted them with a smile.

"Come, your wife made dinner," Granny said, attempting to bridge the gap.

"Granny, stop calling her my wife. I don't like it," Rishi declared, a hint of irritation in his tone.

Mohan chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood, "It's okay; you'll get accustomed to it."

Rolling his eyes, Rishi refrained from prolonging the discussion and headed to the dining room. Hyma served the meal, and Pavitra, displaying a maternal instinct, guided her to sit and served her first.

Mohan complimented Hyma, "Wow, Hyma, you've prepared it exactly like Rishi does. It's surprising. My grandson makes a wonderful Hariyali chicken curry, Malabar chicken biryani, and Elaneer Pudding sweet, and you've recreated them perfectly."

Hyma's eyes inadvertently met Rishi's intense gaze. Feeling a surge of emotions, she looked down, suppressing tears that threatened to escape. Rishi, in turn, shifted his gaze, a mix of anger and vulnerability in his eyes. The unspoken complexities of their relationship lingered in the air, mingling with the aroma of the familiar dishes on the table.

After spending some time with his grandparents, Rishi returned to his room to find Hyma sound asleep on his bed. Startled, he scolded, "Hey, get up! Why are you sleeping on the bed?"

She turned to face him, her eyes closed, seemingly lost in peaceful slumber. Rishi couldn't help but admire her features, his gaze moving from her neck down the thin saree that fluttered in the breeze. The saree, a cream yellow hue, barely differentiated from her skin tone, revealed a glimpse of her cleavage and the blouse. Caught off guard, he quickly averted his eyes, turning his gaze away.

Choosing not to speak, Rishi lay down beside her, facing away. Even as she turned to the other side, his view was still filled with the curve of her back and her waist. Frustrated, he muttered, "Oh God, this girl."

In one swift motion, he stood up and walked to her side, lifting her up abruptly. Hyma, startled, found herself in his arms as he carried her to the balcony. He warned, "Stop acting, or I will throw you from this balcony."

Panicking, she quickly locked her hands around his neck, pleading, "Rishi, please, please, I am sorry."

Rishi released her, making her stand on her own. He sternly instructed, "Go and change out of this stupid saree, change into any dress." She nodded, rushing to the wardrobe and then to the washroom to change.

He lay down on his bed, contemplating the events that transpired. After a minute, Hyma entered the room wearing pajamas and a sleeveless top. She quietly settled down beside him, hoping for a moment of peace.

Feeling her presence, he turned to face her, his expression a mix of anger and frustration. His gaze bore into her, demanding an explanation for her earlier behavior. In response, she covered herself entirely with the blanket, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

He chuckled softly, a sound of disbelief escaping him, and turned away, sighing in exasperation.

Ignore mistakes

Keep smiling

Chandanakshi