The Vows Of Fire (The Raichand Clan Series Book 1)

Chapter 12

"Raghav, Sheetal, I think it's time for both of you to visit our family temple and seek blessings." Bela, Sheetal's mother-in-law's words rang in her ears.

Although Sheetal had no intention whatsoever to even engage in a conversation with Raghav, she had to adhere to her mother-in-law's wishes. And so here they both were, sitting in Raghav's car headed for Mata Rani's temple. Sheetal had a plan, throughout the ride she willed herself not to speak a word to the man currently in the seat beside her who also happens to be her husband. Conveniently so.

On the other side of this awkward ride, Raghav sat tensed and pensive. He had no idea how to bring up their earlier conversation. To say he was embarrassed of his actions last night would be an understatement. Raghav prided himself to be the calm and composed one amongst all his siblings and yet here he was, sweating his way trying to come up with ways through which he could talk to his wife.

His wife!!! Does he even have the right to call her that anymore. Legally yes, emotionally no. He doubted if Sheetal would even give him that right anymore. That's his guess at least. But what now? What is he supposed to do? How should he approach and ask for forgiveness from his wife after such a royal fuck up!!

Well now that shit has already hit the fan, might as well own up.

With a meek voice which even Raghav did not recognize he said, "Umm Sheetal...."

When no response came from her end, he continued, hoping she was listening. "I wanted to talk to you about what happened yesterday..."

With those words out of his mouth, Sheetal immediately tensed. her body became stiff as she sat a little straighter.

"Look I know what an ass I have been yesterday. My words had been utterly unkindly. No amount of justification can rectify what I said. But know this, it wasn't meant to be directed towards you."

That made her head snap in his direction. "What did you say?" she asked as if daring him to repeat it.

Now he was scared. OH MY GOD! he thought to himself. Raghav Raichand in the history of him dealing with women has gotten scared of none. The only women who can talk to him in a high tone are his sisters and his mother.

Looks like he'll have to add his wife's name to the list too. Although the a black screen blocked the driver's view to the cold couple, he was a little anxious to have this conversation in the back of his car.

"I..I...I meant to say.." he muttered.

"What do you mean by not directed towards you? Huhh? Is there some other woman who you keep calling your wife besides me? Look Mr. Raichand-"

"Raghav. My name is Raghav. Call me Raghav." he corrected her. It irked him when she called him by his surname, like they were strangers.

Her eyes widened. Irritation was evident on her beautiful face, "What??? Of all the things I said to you, that's what you're fixated on? Really?"

He tried to think back on what she said but his eyes happened to wander away and direct themselves to her lips. Why did she bite her lips in frustration? And why did Raghav find that hot?

'Oh c'mon Raghav, bet you'll find any woman who bites her lips hot. Its seductive, its nothing about her.' The rational part of his brain thought. But his heart, Oh! his heart. His heart had something else to say entirely. The way that bloody organ of his way beating, he was sure it would give him a heart attack. Then a sharp whack on his arms snapped him back into the present.

"Did you honestly hear anything I just said?" Sheetal questioned a dazed Raghav.

"I am so sorry Sheetal. Those words came out because I carried my work frustration home and I lashed out at you. None of those words were true. I mean they were true, we still are just married for the world but I do know that you care for me. And now that I think about it, your care for me last night was endearing. Even though I have a family that worries for me dearly, it does feel good to know that I also have you back home, worried for me, even if you did so out of the kindness of your heart." he explained.