An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 22

The sound of tiny feet tapping on the corridor floor echoes as I guide Ivaan to the closed door at the end. His warm, eager fingers cling to mine, radiating curiosity.

The room Abhiraj had thoughtfully furnished for my Ivaan is revealed as the creaky door opens.

The room is bathed in the gentle glow of the moonlight, casting a soft ambiance that dances along the walls.

Ivaan sits on his new bed, clutching Mr.Hops, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. I take a seat beside him, the mattress sinking slightly under my weight.

I gently scoop up Ivaan, his small frame fitting perfectly in the cradle of my arms, and tightly clutch him into myself.

Leaning down, I press a soft kiss on his forehead, yearning to envelop him in the warmth that has slipped away.

"Ivaan, Bubba," I speak with measured tenderness," there's something I need to tell you about." His eyes fix on mine, and I can feel the weight of his expectation.

"Abhiraj and I thought you'd enjoy having a room all to yourself. A space where you can let your imagination run wild and make it yours," I continue, trying to infuse reassurance into every word.

His small hand tightens around Mr.Hops, a subtle tremor traversing through his tender hands.

"Shortie, does that mean we won't sleep together anymore?" His voice held a vulnerability that tugged at my heart.

"Ivaan it means you'll have your own new place to play and study," I reply, running my hands through his hair.

"I don't wanna be away from you. Even when I sleep." His eyes well up.

"But bachha I never said I won't be there with you. This place is to make you big and strong. It's like having your little sanctuary where you can dream big and have adventures of your own, just yours."

Ivaan hides his head in the crook of my neck, contemplating my words, and then glances back up at me, a small smile forming on his face. "Okay, Shortie. I like having my own space, but I still want our bedtime stories. And I'll tell you about my adventures too!"

" That's like my baby. We're definitely having our stories and tomorrow you and I will make this room even more magical. Now, chop-chop, it's officially late-o'clock. Let's tuck in for the night."

"Yayyy..." Ivaan bounces on his feet and carefully arranges the stuffed toys on the bed beside the pillow.

Mr.Hops, his trusty stuffed bunny, claims a special spot in the center of the bed. Ivaan's fingers lovingly pat him down, as he snuggles into his bed.

He lets out one last, contented breath before giving in to the calm of the night and closing his eyes to let sleep take over.

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After putting Ivaan to bed, I slowly make my way to Abhiraj's bedroom as requested. It has been half a month now since we moved into this grand yet cold house.

And ever since Ivaan has come, I have not returned to share Abhiraj's room. The formality of our arrangement forces me to keep my distance.

Abhiraj sits reading, not glancing up as I enter. The expansive room feels cold, impersonal. We are still strangers. Barely exchanging words beyond formal pleasantries or the apologies he reluctantly utters for the hurtful words he spat at me.

I slip under the sheets onto my side, staring up at the ashy ceiling.

Abhiraj has not made any attempts at physical intimacy since we married. Our relationship is contractual, transactional. An heir maybe is desired, but not yet a reality.