Inks and innings

chp 36

Divya trudged through the front door, her body aching from the long day at work. Her shoulders sagged under the weight of exhaustion, and all she wanted was to find some solace in Abhi's arms. She slipped off her shoes and dropped her bag by the door, making her way to the living room where she knew Abhi would be.

Abhi was sitting on the couch, engrossed in a book. As soon as he heard her footsteps, he looked up, concern etched on his face.

"Divya, you look exhausted. Rough day?" he asked, closing his book and setting it aside.

Divya didn't say a word. Instead, she walked straight to him, her eyes heavy with fatigue. Without hesitation, Abhi stood up and pulled her into his arms, holding her close.

He gently stroked her hair, his touch soothing and reassuring. "It's okay, jaan. I'm here."

Divya let out a deep sigh, the tension in her body slowly melting away. "I just needed this," she mumbled against his chest. "It's been such a long day, and I couldn't stop thinking about coming home to you."

Abhi held her tighter, his heart aching at seeing her so worn out. "You're working too hard. You need to take it easy sometimes."

Divya shook her head slightly. "I know, but there's so much to do. Sometimes it feels like I'm drowning in work."

Abhi leaned back a little, lifting her chin with his finger so he could look into her eyes. "You're doing an amazing job, Divya. But remember, you don't have to do it all alone. I'm here for you."

She gave him a tired smile, her eyes softening at his words. "Thank you, Abhi. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You'll never have to find out because I'm not going anywhere."

Abhi led her to the couch, sitting down and pulling her gently onto his lap. Divya nestled against him, resting her head on his shoulder. Abhi wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly.

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, finding comfort and strength in their embrace. The air was filled with a mix of awkwardness and newfound understanding after their recent confrontation. Divya hadn't yet realized the depth of Abhi's feelings, but he didn't mind. For now, he was content just being there for her.

In that moment, the world outside faded away, and all that mattered was the love they shared.

Abhi paced back and forth in the living room, his mind in turmoil. The thought of facing Easha and Aryan gnawed at him. He knew he had to apologize, to mend the broken pieces of their friendship that had been strained by his mistakes. He glanced at Divya, who was sitting on the couch, her supportive eyes following his every move.

"Jaan," Abhi began hesitantly, "I think we should meet Aryan and Easha. I need to apologize to them too. What happened... it affected them as well."

Divya nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "You're right, Abhi. It's time to make things right."

Later that day, Abhi and Divya stood outside Aryan and Easha's house. Abhi took a deep breath, trying to steady the conflict raging in his mind. He knocked on the door, his heart pounding in his chest.

Divya had called Abhi as Easha and Aryan wanted to hang out together-it was their ritual. Abhi agreed immediately. When they met up, the atmosphere was light and filled with laughter.

Easha looked at Abhi with mock annoyance. "Why is he even here? This was supposed to be a bestie meet."

Divya chimed in, "Hello, ma'am, he's my husband. So, of course, he's here."