Silent Cries

Chapter 1

The sun had just begun its ascent, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling city of Mumbai. In the dixit household, Navya was already awake, her day starting long before dawn. She moved with the practiced grace of someone who had long since mastered the art of domesticity. The clatter of utensils, the soft hum of boiling water, and the sizzle of oil in a pan filled the air, creating a symphony of morning sounds.Navya carefully prepared Dev's favorite breakfast, a plate of steaming hot parathas and a bowl of fresh yogurt, just as he liked it. She set the table meticulously, placing everything in its precise spot.

She moved to their bedroom, where Dev was still in bed, the remnants of sleep clinging to him. She approached him with a tender smile, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

Navya: "Dev, it's time to wake up. You have a meeting at 9."

Dev stirred, his brow furrowing in irritation.

Dev: "Why do you always have to wake me up? I can set my own alarm."

Navya stepped back, her smile faltering but not disappearing.

Navya: "I just wanted to make sure you had a good start to the day."

Dev: "Well, I don't need your help. Stop acting like you're in charge of me. You're not my wife; you're just someone I had to marry."

Navya's heart clenched at his words, but she forced herself to remain calm.

Navya: "I made your breakfast. It's on the table."

Dev stood up, his irritation not subsiding.

Dev: "You don't have to do that every day. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

Navya nodded, her voice gentle but firm.

Navya: "I know you are, Dev. But I want to do this for you."

He scoffed, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

Dev: "Well, stop. It feels like you're trying to assert some kind of authority over me, and I don't appreciate it."

Without another word, he brushed past her and headed to the bathroom, leaving Navya standing alone in the room. She took a deep breath, willing herself to remain composed. This was how it had been for seven years, a marriage in name only, with Dev's heart still belonging to Hina.

Downstairs, she heard the soft patter of tiny feet. Ayaan, their four-year-old son, appeared in the doorway, rubbing his eyes and clutching his favorite stuffed toy.

Ayaan: "Mama, I'm hungry."

Navya's face lit up with a genuine smile as she knelt down to his level.

Navya: "Good morning, my little prince. Let's get you some breakfast."

She led Ayaan to the kitchen, her mood lifting as she attended to her son's needs. He was the light of her life, the one thing that made all the sacrifices worthwhile. As she watched him eat, she couldn't help but think about how different things might have been if Dev could see the love she had for him and their family.After making sure Ayaan was settled, Navya turned her attention back to Dev. She prepared his lunch and packed it neatly, adding a small note inside, a habit she had kept since the early days of their marriage. She placed it on the counter, knowing that he would take it without acknowledging her effort.

Dev finally emerged from the bedroom, dressed in his office attire, looking every bit the successful corporate executive. He glanced at the breakfast on the table, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he sat down and began to eat, his eyes fixed on his phone, scrolling through emails and messages.