As the night wore on, Lavanya lay in bed, feeling numb and vulnerable, the memory of Varun's roughness lingering on her mind like a bitter taste. She couldn't help but wonder how they had reached this point, where love had been replaced by anger and...
After their intense conversation on the terrace, Varun and Lavanya found themselves in an uncertain space. Even though they had addressed their issues, they had no idea how to move forward.
Everything appeared normal on the surface, but the silence between them was deafening.
They continued with their daily routines, sharing the same spaces and experiences, but the unspoken tension hung in the air. The weight of unresolved emotions and unsaid words created an invisible barrier that neither knew how to overcome.
Varun often replayed their conversation in his mind, trying to find a way forward. Lavanya, too, felt a deep sense of uncertainty, torn between her desire for resolution and her fear of being vulnerable. Their once effortless connection now felt fragile.
They were like two people treading carefully on thin ice, afraid that any wrong move might cause it to crack.
It was a Sunday evening, and the house was empty except for Lavanya and Varun. Raghavan had gone to meet his friends at the park, accompanied by Aarti, who needed fresh air during her pregnancy. Meena had visited the temple, and Arun was at his part-time job. Lavanya was busy preparing and arranging her dress for her new office job the next day.
Varun entered the house, knowing he would find only Lavanya at home. He headed to the kitchen to make coffee for himself and Lavanya, placing a gift package on the table. As he waited for the coffee to brew, he glanced around the kitchen, his eyes settling on the small table where he had placed the gift. He prayed that she would like it.
Varun called out from downstairs, "Lavanya! Coffee's ready! Come down and take a break. You've been preparing for your new job all day."
Lavanya, who was in their room upstairs, was surprised by the offer. She wasn't used to Varun being so thoughtful lately. "I'll be right there," she replied, curious about his sudden change in behavior.
As she made her way downstairs, she asked, "Do you need help with anything?"
Varun's voice came from the kitchen, "No, no, I've got it. Just come and relax. You can take a break today."
Lavanya felt a sense of surprise and wonder at Varun's gesture. She hadn't expected him to be so considerate. "What's going on? You're being weird," she teased.
Varun just smiled, "Just rest, okay? You deserve it. And trust me, you're going to love the coffee today."
Lavanya shook her head, chuckling, and said, "Okay, fine. But you're acting strange." She started to head towards the kitchen, but Varun intercepted her.
"No, no, I'll bring it to you. Just go sit down and relax," he said, trying to sound casual.
Lavanya raised an eyebrow but decided to humor him. She walked into the living room and sat down on the couch, curious about what Varun was up to.
Varun let out a big sigh, relieved that she didn't insist on helping. He knew that if she entered the kitchen, she would see the surprise gift he had gotten her. He wanted to keep it a secret until the right moment. As he poured the coffee, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. He hoped that this small gesture would bring a smile to her face and help bridge the gap between them.
Varun walked into the living room, carrying a tray with two cups of coffee and a small gift bag. He tripped on the rug and almost spilled the coffee but managed to save it just in time.
Lavanya laughed. "Nice moves, Varun. You're like a ninja... a clumsy ninja."
Varun chuckled and placed the tray on the coffee table. "Hey, I'm just trying to keep things exciting around here."
Lavanya took a sip of her coffee and raised an eyebrow. "This is your special blend, isn't it? The one you call 'Varun's Magic Coffee'?"
Varun grinned. "The very same. I added an extra shot of espresso, just for you."
Lavanya pretended to be impressed. "Wow, I'm honored. You know I'm not worthy of such a strong coffee."
Varun handed her the gift bag. "And I got you something else. A new bag, to replace the one you've been using since you came here."
Lavanya opened the bag and pulled out a beautiful leather tote. "Oh, Varun, it's gorgeous! You have great taste... for once."
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Varun laughed. "Hey, watch it. I resent that remark."
Lavanya smiled and touched his hand. "Thanks, Varun. This really means a lot to me."
Varun's heart skipped a beat as their hands touched, and he felt a spark of electricity run through his body.
Lavanya continued to admire the bag, tracing her fingers over the smooth leather. "This is the first gift you've ever given me," she said softly, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "I'll treasure it."
As Varun watched her, a pang of guilt washed over him. They had been married for three months and had known each other for five. In that time, Lavanya had given him so much-new shirts, a watch, and countless other thoughtful gestures. Yet he had treated them as ordinary, never truly appreciating the love and effort behind them. Here she was, ready to treasure a simple handbag as something precious, while he had often taken her gifts for granted.
Varun's eyes softened. "I'm glad you like it. I just wanted to do something special for you, especially with everything we've been through."
Lavanya looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "It's perfect. Thank you, Varun."
Varun felt a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up for them again. And maybe, just maybe, he'd finally master the art of walking without tripping. More importantly, he vowed to cherish Lavanya and the love she offered, no longer taking her for granted.
--------------------------------------------------------- - Hi all,
Hope you're all doing fantastic! Guess who's back from a brief stint in personal soap opera land? That's right-me! Apologies for the delay; it turns out, my life was trying to audition for a reality show. To my amazing new readers, thank you for the votes! Your support is like finding a hidden stash of chocolate-unexpected and absolutely delightful.
And to my loyal readers, a massive thank you for your patience! You're like the unsung heroes of this story, enduring cliffhangers and plot twists with grace. I promise to keep the drama where it belongs-on the page and not in my life.
Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments and cast your votes! Your feedback is like the cherry on top of this rollercoaster ride.
