The Sun & the Stars Aligned

24: His Confession

ADITYA

"Did you have a disagreement with Tara?" Maa's concern echoed in her voice as she approached me.

"Maa, why are you asking? Did something happen?" I asked, a sudden worry gnawing at my insides.

"No, but something seems off with her. She's not herself lately, hardly speaking and barely eating," she replied, her tone heavy with concern. "You must have said something to her; everything was fine until last night.

"Maa, we didn't fight, and I haven't said anything to her," I reassured her, hoping to ease her mind.

"It feels like she's missing her home. I was feeling the same when I first came here after marriage" she confided, her worry etched on her face.

"Last night, I was looking through our photo album, and I asked her to join me. I showed her some of your childhood photos, and she seemed fine. But then," she trailed off, her brows furrowing in confusion.

"Do you recall the morning of your dad's accident? That particular photo was in the album. I told her about the accident that day, and after that, I don't know what happened to her. I asked her, but she just said she's tired and went to her room," she explained, her confusion palpable.

"She didn't eat anything last night. I tried to coax her into having something, but she refused. Even this morning, she barely touched her breakfast. I asked if something was wrong, but she remained silent," she fretted, her concern evident. "You should talk to her; seeing her like this is worrying me."

"Don't worry too much, Maa. Let me handle this." I assured her before making my way to our room.

***

She sat on the bed, a book in her hand, but her eyes betrayed her, swollen and red from crying. My heart ached at the sight of her pain, my soul weakening at the mere thought of her tears.

"Jaan, are you alright? Why haven't you eaten anything since last night?" I approached her softly, my concern evident in my voice. She looked up briefly, but her gaze quickly returned to the pages of the book.

I gently took the book from her hand, my patience waning. "I'm asking you something," I said firmly, my eyes urging her to acknowledge me. She attempted to leave, but I grabbed her arm, pulling her back towards me.

"When I'm speaking, don't ever try to walk away," I scoffed, my grip tightening as she flinched. "Why are you not eating?" My voice was cold, commanding, masking the turmoil within me.

She met my gaze, defiance shining in her eyes. "Why do you care whether I eat or not, or whether I live or die? That's none of your concern. So, just mind your own business," she retorted, her voice on the brink of breaking, but she stood her ground.

I held her roughly, pinning her against the wall, my frustration boiling over. 

"Don't you ever dare speak in that tone with me. I'm your husband; everything about you concerns me," I threatened, taking a step closer, my anger simmering beneath the surface.

"You keep your family in the dark, huh? They have no idea what their son is up to. Here I am, dying every day, and your father doesn't even know what he's done. He doesn't even remember how his actions shattered someone's lives. He's blind to everything except himself," she accused, her words laced with anger and hurt, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Think before you speak, Tara. I won't tolerate a word against them," I growled, my grip tightening on her neck as I pulled her closer. 

She shivered under my touch, but her defiant gaze met mine without flinching. She let out a bitter laugh, her words dripping with sarcasm.