Conditions Of Shashank | 18+

chapter 2: Compliment

Ishika reminisced about the previous night when Ujjwal comforted her during her period cramps. His warm hug had made her feel deeply cared for, bringing tears to her eyes.

Reflecting on this moment, she couldn't help but contrast it with the hurtful remarks she'd endured before her marriage. People had often commented on her chubby physique and dark skin, making her feel unworthy and burdened, which worried her mother greatly.

When Ishika returned home from the office in the evening, she discovered that Ujjwal had caught a cold. Ujjwal was lying on the bed. Concerned, Ishika asked if he had eaten.

Ujjwal confirmed he had taken his medicine and, feeling exhausted, told Ishika he was going to sleep. Ishika told him to let her know if he needed anything.

Later that night, as Ishika was about to sleep, she realized Ujjwal hadn't applied balm. She turned on the lamp beside him, its light casting a gentle glow on his sleeping face. His hair had fallen across his forehead, so she tenderly brushed it aside and began to softly massage his forehead.

After a while, she applied balm to his forehead, knowing she needed to apply it to his chest as well but feeling hesitant. Recognizing the necessity, she gathered her courage.

Ujjwal was wearing a collared t-shirt with two buttons. Ishika unbuttoned them carefully and gently applied the balm to his chest before buttoning it back up. She then washed her hands and went to sleep, feeling a deep sense of care and responsibility for her husband.

Through these tender actions, Ishika's affection for Ujjwal grew.

Ishika wakes up in the morning and notices that Ujjwal is still sleeping. Concerned about his health, she gently checks his forehead and neck for a fever, finding them slightly warm.

Deciding to let him rest a bit longer, Ishika goes to freshen up and get dressed in a kurti and leggings.

Afterward, she returns to wake Ujjwal gently, who slowly rouses from his sleep. She informs him about his slight fever and cold, suggesting he freshen up for breakfast and take his morning medicine.

After breakfast, Ujjwal, still unwell, decides to take a leave from work. Ishika, concerned, offers to take a leave from her bank to care for him, but Ujjwal reassures her that he will be fine after some rest. Ishika agrees and heads to the bank.

In the evening, upon returning home, Ishika finds Ujjwal still asleep but notices his fever has worsened. She gently wakes him and learns that he had visited the doctor again and received new medication to be taken after dinner.

They have dinner together, and Ujjwal takes his medicine before going back to bed.

She makes her way to the bedroom, finding Ujjwal already asleep. He is lying straight, his face turned toward the ceiling, his breathing shallow but steady.

Ishika notices he has forgotten to apply balm again, something that could provide him some comfort.

Quietly, she takes balm from the cupboard. Turning on the bedside lamp, she sits beside him and gently moves his hair away from his forehead. She starts by stroking his forehead tenderly. Ujjwal stirs slightly, but his sleep remains undisturbed.

Fearing she might wake him, Ishika closes her eyes and whispers, "I am sorry." even though she hasn't disturbed him. When she opens her eyes again, Ujjwal is still peacefully asleep.

Carefully, she applies balm to his forehead and then to his chest, her touch gentle and loving.

Satisfied that she has done all she can to make him comfortable, Ishika washes her hands and climbs into bed beside him. She watches him for a moment, his face relaxed in sleep, and then she too drifts off, hoping that the morning will bring better health for Ujjwal.

-

After two days, ujjwal's health improved.

Ishika and Ujjwal are preparing for a visit to Ishika's mother, marking the first time Ishika will return home since her wedding. Ujjwal is already ready, dressed in a casual shirt and pants. He stands in front of the mirror, fixing his hair with his hands rather than using a comb, looking quite handsome. Ishika admires him, wanting to express her thoughts but feeling shy about doing so.

Ishika herself is dressed in a burgundy colour kurti and black leggings. Ujjwal notices her gaze and compliments her, saying, "You look good." Ishika, touched and a bit shy, looks down and nods.

This compliment means a lot to her, as she has struggled with her self-image due to her darker skin tone and chubby figure.

Ishika's insecurities are rooted in her past struggles. Two years ago, she experienced severe depression.

This has left her feeling embarrassed about her body, particularly her thick thighs, which is why she prefers wearing knee-length kurtis.

Her anxiety and lack of courage have prevented her from joining a gym, even though she wishes to lose weight. Her experience with depression has also transformed her from someone with a balanced personality into a complete introvert, plagued by fear and anxiety.

After breakfast, Ishika and Ujjwal set off in their car, with Ishika feeling excited about the visit.

Upon arrival, Ishika immediately hugs her mother, while Ujjwal respectfully touches her mother's feet.

They exchange pleasantries, with Ujjwal asking about the well-being of everyone at her mother's place.

As they settle in, Ujjwal enjoys some watermelon in the main hall, his love for fruits apparent. Meanwhile, Ishika's mother calls her to the bedroom for a more private conversation.

She asks Ishika how everything is going, her eyes full of concern and curiosity. Ishika reassures her mother that everything is fine, trying to ease her worries.

However, her mother's concern runs deeper, as she hesitantly asks if Ishika was hurt on her wedding night.

Ishika, understanding her mother's anxiety, gently responds that they haven't engaged in that activity yet.

-

After lunch, Ishika and Ujjwal said goodbye to Ishika's mother and left for the mall to do some clothes shopping.

They made their way to the second floor where the clothing section was located. Ishika expressed her interest in buying some kurtis and headed to the women's clothing section.

Ujjwal, needing a drink of water, told her to go ahead and start browsing while he stepped away briefly.

As Ishika looked through the racks, she found many beautiful kurtis with nice colors and good fabric. However, none of them were in her size, they were all too tight. She continued to search further into the section.

Just then, Ujjwal returned and noticed her disappointment. Ishika explains that the kurtis are not her size, avoiding eye contact.

Ujjwal reassures her, suggesting they continue searching and, if necessary, look elsewhere.

Encouraged, Ishika resumes her search and finally finds some kurtis in her size. She and Ujjwal start selecting from these options, with Ujjwal particularly liking the design and color of two kurtis.

Ishika heads to the changing room to try them on, showing each one to Ujjwal. Both of them are pleased with the kurtis, and Ujjwal's compliment-"This kurti looks really good on you"-fills Ishika with joy.

Ujjwal then encourages Ishika to pick something she likes as well, not just items that meet his taste. She selects another kurti and some leggings, tries them on, and decides to buy them.

As they head to the payment counter, Ishika notices that Ujjwal hasn't picked anything for himself and asks if he plans to buy anything. Ujjwal replies that he'll shop later.

By the time they finish shopping, it is evening, and Ishika remembers she has a therapy session scheduled for Sunday evenings.

As they drive to her therapy session, Ishika suggests that Ujjwal go home while she attends her session. She reassures him that she will come home alone afterward. Ujjwal, asks if she is sure, and Ishika confidently affirms her decision.

___________________________________________
❤