Sacred Marriage

Chapter 20

Author's POV

The next morning, Siya woke up with a smile and went to the bathroom to freshen up. Suddenly, there was a scream, "Ahh, Mummy!"

Abhiram woke up at the sound of her scream and rushed to the bathroom door, knocking urgently. "What happened, bacha? Tum theek toh ho nah? Mai andar aau? Tum chillayi kyu (Are you alright? Should I come in? Why did you scream)?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Inside the bathroom, Siya was trying to regain her balance. "Kuch nahi, bas slip ho gayi(Nothing, I just slipped)," she called out, trying to reassure him.

Abhiram, still worried, pressed his ear against the door. "Pakka, tum theek ho? Zaroorat ho toh batao(Are you sure you're okay? Let me know if you need anything)," he said, not entirely convinced.

Siya took a deep breath and steadied herself. "Haan, haan, I'm fine. Bas thoda sa gir gayi thi. Don't worry(Yes, yes, I'm fine. I just fell a little. Don't worry)," she replied, trying to sound as calm as possible.

Abhiram said, "Thik hai, par agar kuch chahiye toh awaz lagana(Okay, but if you need anything, just call me)."

Siya smiled to herself and said, "Pakka(Promise), I'll call if I need anything."

When Siya finally came out of the bathroom, Abhiram couldn't help but laugh. "Kya yaar, Siya! Itni zor se chilla rahi thi, laga kuch serious ho gaya(What the heck, Siya! You screamed so loudly, I thought something serious had happened)," he teased, still chuckling.

Siya's cheeks turned red with embarrassment. "Very funny, Abhiram. Tum bhi na, bas mauka milte hi hasne lagte ho(You, always laughing at the slightest opportunity)," she said, trying to hide her smile.

Abhiram, still grinning, replied, "Arey, relax. It's good to see you're okay. Bas thoda mazaak kar raha tha("Just joking around a bit)."

Siya still seemed a bit flustered, Abhiram’s tone softened. “Dekho(See), you need to be a bit more careful, Siya. Bathroom floors can be slippery. I don’t want you getting hurt, okay?”

Siya nodded, her embarrassment easing into appreciation for his concern. “I know, I know. I’m just a bit clumsy sometimes," she admitted, giving him a grateful smile. Abhiram smiled back, reassuringly.

As they moved on to start their day, Abhiram made a mental note to put some non-slip mats in the bathroom later. "I’ll pick up some mats today; better safe than sorry," he murmured to himself, making sure such accidents could be prevented in the future.

Siya overheard him and felt a warm rush of gratitude. "You really don't have to go to all that trouble," she said, touched by his thoughtfulness.

"It’s no trouble at all," Abhiram replied, smiling. "I just want to make sure you're safe. Plus, it'll give me peace of mind."

After finishing their tea, Abhiram went to freshen up while Siya headed to the kitchen to help maa. As Siya was chopping vegetables, maa said, “Beta, I need to step out for a bit. Can you manage here for a while?”

“Of course, Maa,” Siya replied, smiling. “I’ve got it covered.” As maa left the kitchen, Abhiram returned, freshly showered, Abhiram entered the kitchen, freshly showered. He quietly walked up behind Siya and wrapped his arms around her in a firm back hug. "Abhiram! Kya kar rahe ho, koi dekh lega?" Siya exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and nervousness in her voice.

Abhiram leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "I don't care if anyone sees us," he whispered playfully, his tone both teasing and affectionate. "I've missed you."

Siya tried to wriggle free, her cheeks turning a shade of pink. "Abhiram, chhodo na! Koi dekh lega(Abhiram, leave me! Someone might see us)," she said, glancing nervously towards the doorway.