The Second Chance

Unintentional Care

Preeta sat at the dining table, enjoying her morning tea, while Shaurya and Palki exchanged glances. Roohi was playing nearby, and Preeta’s question about their wedding photos still lingered in their minds.

Preeta: "Shaurya, Palki, I still don't see any wedding photos around. I really want to see you two together, happy."

Roohi overheard and, in her innocence, blurted out the truth.

Roohi: "Daddy was mad at Palki Aunty. That’s why they don’t have many photos."

Shaurya and Palki quickly covered their tracks, exchanging nervous glances.

Shaurya (smiling): "We were just too busy, Mom. We'll make sure to get some photos soon."

Palki (nodding): "Yes, Maa. We’ll take some nice pictures."

Later that afternoon, Preeta had another idea to bring them closer.

Preeta: "Shaurya, Palki, why don't you two go out for some shopping? You still need a few more things for the festival."

Shaurya and Palki hesitantly agreed, knowing they had to maintain their act for Preeta’s sake.

They arrived at the mall, and Palki’s excitement was palpable. She browsed through the dresses, holding them up for Shaurya’s opinion.

Palki (holding a dress): "Shaurya, how about this one?"

Shaurya (smirking): "Try it on and let’s see."

Palki headed to the trial room, and Shaurya, distracted by his phone, accidentally entered the same room.

Palki, startled, tried to cover herself, but Shaurya quickly grabbed a dupatta and gently draped it over her.

Shaurya (softly): "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude."

Their eyes met in the mirror, creating an unspoken connection between them.

As they were walking towards their car, a bike rushed past Palki, nearly knocking her over. Shaurya reacted instantly, pulling her into his arms.

Shaurya (yelling at the rider): "Andha hai kya? Dekh ke nahi chala sakta?"

A transgender person passing by saw the scene and approached them with a smile.

Transgender Person: "Bless you both. Your husband loves you very much."

Palki felt a mix of emotions. Shaurya handed her some money to give to the kind stranger.

Palki (to Shaurya): "Can I have some money to give them?"

Shaurya nodded, and Palki gave the money, receiving blessings in return.

After their encounter, they walked towards the road to cross it. Shaurya, always the protector, cautioned Palki.

Shaurya: "Palki, be careful. It’s busy."

Shaurya crossed first, but Palki hesitated due to the traffic. When Shaurya reached the other side and looked back, he couldn’t see her. Panic surged through him until he spotted her struggling to cross.

He ran back to her, his heart pounding.

Palki : " tum kuch bhool gaye they" kya?"

Shaurya (holding her hand tightly): "Haan, tumhe.

Shaurya held her hand firmly and guided her across, ensuring her safety. Palki felt a strange warmth in his touch, a mix of protectiveness and care.

Later that evening, as Palki walked barefoot in the garden, lost in thought, she didn’t notice the broken glass pieces scattered around.

Shaurya, who was on the phone, noticed the danger and ran towards her.

Shaurya: "Palki, stop!"Before she could react, Shaurya lifted her from the waist, bringing her to his eye level. They locked eyes, and Shaurya’s concern was evident.

Shaurya (scolding): "Palki, why are you walking barefoot? Can’t you see the glass?"

Palki (blushing): "I… I didn’t notice."

Shaurya gently placed her feet on his own, ensuring she wouldn’t get hurt.

As Shaurya held Palki close, he felt a wave of protectiveness and care. He couldn’t understand why he felt this way, but he couldn’t deny the connection he felt with her.

Shaurya (thinking): "Why do I feel this way about her? Why do I care so much?"

Palki, feeling his warmth and concern, realized that there was more to Shaurya than met the eye. Despite their pretenses, there was a genuine bond forming between them.

Palki (thinking): "Maybe Shaurya isn’t as bad as I thought. There’s something deeper between us."

The next morning, Shaurya noticed that Palki seemed unwell. She had a high fever, likely from the ice cream the previous day.

Shaurya (teasing): "That’s what happens when you eat so much ice cream,

Palki."Palki pouted, feeling miserable.

Palki (weakly): "It’s not my fault. The ice cream was too good."

Shaurya smirked and brought her some medicine. Palki made a face, clearly not wanting to take it.

Shaurya (forcefully): "Come on, Palki. You need to take this medicine."

Palki shook her head, acting like a stubborn child.

Palki: "No, it’s too bitter!"

Shaurya (laughing): "Roohi is more grown-up than you when it comes to taking medicine."

Finally, Shaurya held the medicine to her lips and made her take it. Palki grimaced, the bitterness evident on her face.

Palki: "What kind of medicine is this? It’s so bitter. It tastes like fertilizer!"

Shaurya (shocked): "Did you drink fertilizer in your childhood?"

Palki (pouting): "No, I didn’t drink fertilizer daily. It was a mistake!"

Shaurya couldn’t help but laugh at her antics.

That night, Palki shivered from her fever. Shaurya, noticing her discomfort, picked her up from the floor where she usually slept and placed her gently on the bed. He covered her with a blanket and sat beside her, watching over her.

Shaurya (softly): "Why am I feeling this way? Why do I care so much?"

Palki stirred in her sleep, and Shaurya brushed a strand of hair from her face, feeling an inexplicable tenderness.

That's it for today's update
Signing off
Diksha

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