Whispers of Fate

𝗍𝗐𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗒 𝗇𝗂𝗇𝖾

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Third Person's POV

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Anisha's eyes fell to the ground, where two charred cigarette butts lay discarded, their presence unsettling her. She had a hazy idea that he smoked before their marriage, but this was the first time she was seeing him do it.

A knot formed in her stomach, a mixture of disappointment and concern swirling within. Taking a hesitant step forward, she moved closer and saw Atharva sitting on the ground, another cigarette perched between his lips.

Her delicate nostrils twitched, assaulted by the acrid stench hanging heavy in the air, causing a violent fit of coughing to seize her.

The sound of coughing cut through the stillness of the night, drawing Atharva's attention. He turned around, surprised to find Anisha there, and concerned to see her coughing.

With a swift motion, he discarded the cigarette, the ember fizzling out as it hit the ground, and rushed to her side, concern etched across his features.

"Anisha," Atharva's voice was laced with genuine worry as he guided her to sit on the nearby bench. With a tender hand supporting her back, he knelt in front of her, offering a bottle of water.

Anisha's eyes met Atharva's as she accepted the water with a grateful nod, taking a few sips to soothe her parched throat.

She gave him a faint smile, conveying her silent gratitude. Atharva's concern remained palpable as he asked, "Are you okay?" She nodded.

Atharva stood up, his gaze fixed on her as he asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I...I came...came to find you," Anisha replied hesitantly.

A look of surprise flickered across Atharva's face. His brows furrowed as he processed her words. "Find me?"

Anisha nodded, her eyes earnest as she affirmed, "Yeah, you weren't in the room."

Without a word, he joined her on the bench, their shoulders barely brushing as they sat side by side in the quiet of the night.

After a prolonged silence, Anisha finally broke the quiet, her voice tentative yet resolute. "Mr. Raichand, can I ask you a question?"

Atharva nodded immediately, his eyes meeting hers with a blend of anticipation and curiosity.

"Why do you smoke?" Anisha asked, her voice soft.

His gaze met hers, but words seemed to elude him. Instead, he lowered his eyes.

"I am sure you are aware of all its dangers," Anisha began gently, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and frustration. "The risks to your health, like lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. The toll it takes on those around you. The countless deaths it leads to." She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "Yet, why?"

"Was it what caused your coughing before?" Atharva asked. Anisha nodded silently, and Atharva's gaze dropped again.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He looked away, his shoulders sagging under the weight of guilt.