𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕

𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝

Chapter Thirteen: Failed Husband

As soon as the words left his mouth, Gill ended the call. Tears welled up in his eyes once again, and he began to breathe heavily. Sukhlal Ji rushed to his side, pulling Gill into a hug and gently caressing his forehead, offering comfort as a father would. Shubman leaned into the embrace, letting his tears flow freely as he took deep breaths to try to calm himself.

Sukhlal Ji spoke softly, "Sirji, it's okay to let it out. We all face difficult times, and it's alright to feel the pain."

Gill's red gaze turned towards Vasisth, who stood there feeling guilty because she was the one who insisted on calling his wife.

"Thank you. It turned out good," Gill said, looking at her.

Confused, she looked at him and asked, "How?"

"If I never would have called, I would never have known her reality. And now that I know, it feels lighter, despite being the one who drove her to this point," Gill admitted, wiping his nose on his hand as he looked down.

Vasisth, moving towards Gill, gently lifted his face. She controlled her emotions but spoke with comforting resolve, "What's done is done. Now, let's complete this mission and get back to Anamika. She'll surely be waiting for her Daddy and needs him in these times."

Gill took a deep breath, appreciating Vasisth's support. "You're right. I can't change the past, but I can shape the future. Let's focus on what's important now."

She stood up and handed the laptop to Sukhlal Ji, saying, "Let's get out of here before anyone catches us."

Both of them tiptoed to their rooms, ensuring that Sukhlal Ji safely reached his chambers before they entered theirs. As Vasisth changed into her nightwear and settled in, she watched Gill going over the map.

"Gill, sleep now. We'll get up early and start the work," she suggested softly.

He nodded in agreement and then entered the restroom, washing his face while staring at his reflection. He gazed at his reflection and saw a failed husband staring back at him. He knew he was at fault for being less active in his personal life, and Bhumika's betrayal only intensified his self-hatred.

Shaking off his thoughts, Gill focused his attention on the task at hand and the longing to return home to Anamika grew stronger. Running his hand through his hair, he made a vow to complete the task as soon as possible and reunite with his little ball of sunshine.

Upon reentering the room, he found Vasisth in the midst of creating a tower of pillows on the bed. He chuckled at her effort, realizing she was attempting to sleep on the bed while also keeping a comfortable distance from him.

He moved towards Vasisth and removed his T-shirt, a habit of sleeping shirtless. With a grin, he said, "You know, Vasisth, I don't bite."

She scowled at him and retorted, "Well, it's not about you biting, Gill. It's about preserving my personal space. I need a fortress of pillows to keep you on your side of the bed."

He found satisfaction in making her scowl, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he teased her further. "Oh, come on, Vasisth. Admit it, you secretly enjoy my company," he said with a smirk, knowing he was pushing her buttons.

She found herself growing more annoyed with his teasing, and leaning over the tower of pillows, she retorted, "Enjoy your delusions, Gill. I tolerate your company at best. Now, let me get some sleep before your antics keep me up all night."

Amused by her irritated response, Gill decided to push his luck a bit further. With a mischievous grin, he rearranged the pillows, creating a clear divide down the centre of the bed. He then theatrically plopped himself down on the opposite side, teasing, "Well, lucky for you, I'll be on my island of delusions over here. Sweet dreams, Vasisth."

Vasisth rolled her eyes at his antics, a mix of irritation crossing her face. "Just don't invade my territory in dreamland," she quipped.

With a chuckle, Gill couldn't resist teasing Vasisth one more time before settling in for the night. "No promises," he teased, winking playfully at her.

Vasisth couldn't help but groan, hiding her face in the pillow. "Just go to sleep, Gill," she mumbled, the mixture of irritation and amusement evident in her voice.

A few minutes later, Vasisth could hear Gill snoring softly. She peeked through her pillow and saw his face illuminated by the gentle glow of the desert moonlight. His features looked peaceful in sleep, with the moonlight casting soft shadows across his face.

Gill had a strong jawline and tousled hair, and in sleep, his usual mischievous expression was replaced by a serene calmness. The lines of worry that often furrowed his brow during waking hours seemed to fade away, leaving behind an expression of tranquillity.

As Geetanjali watched him sleep, she felt her heart skip a beat, much like it did on the first day of her college when she stood at the Delhi University gate. Memories flooded back to when she was just sixteen, nervously stepping onto the bustling campus, her heart pounding with anticipation and excitement. It was there, amidst the sea of ​​unfamiliar faces, that she first saw Shubman.