Whispers Of Love: Through Time and Trials✅

Chapter 3: Unspoken Words

The night had settled over the Dixit home, bringing with it a quiet stillness. Sonakshi had just finished tidying up after dinner when the front door creaked open. Dev, looking worn and exhausted from his trip, trudged inside, his face etched with fatigue. He dropped his briefcase by the door and rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the weariness.

Sonakshi rushed to him, her concern palpable. "Dev, you're back. How was the trip?"

Dev gave her a tired smile, though it barely reached his eyes. "Long and exhausting. Meetings ran over, and the flight back was delayed. I'm completely drained."

"Let me help you," Sonakshi said, guiding him toward the living room. "You should get some rest."

Dev sank onto the couch, his body sagging with exhaustion. Sonakshi fetched a blanket and draped it over him, but she noticed that he was shivering slightly, his weariness more pronounced than she'd realized.

"Dev, you're shaking," she said, her voice filled with worry. "Are you cold? I'll get you something warm."

"No, it's fine," Dev murmured, his eyes closing as he tried to relax. "I'm just so tired."

Sonakshi sat down beside him, her mind racing with the day's earlier anxieties about her father. She reached out, gently touching his hand. "We need to talk about Dad. I've been so worried and..."

Dev opened his eyes slowly, looking at her with a mix of frustration and exhaustion. "Sonakshi, I really can't deal with more stress right now. I'm barely holding it together."

Sonakshi's heart sank, but she tried to remain calm. "I understand you're tired, Dev. But I've been managing everything alone while you were away. I needed you to be here, not just physically but emotionally too. Dad's condition is still uncertain, and I needed your support."

Dev sat up slowly, the blanket falling off him. His face showed a flash of anger and exhaustion. "You think I don't know that? I've been working my ass off in Mumbai. It's not like I wanted to be away. But I needed to do this to keep everything going."

Sonakshi's eyes flashed with frustration. "It's not just about work, Dev. It's about being present for your family when they need you the most. I've been handling everything by myself, and it's overwhelming."

Dev's voice rose, edged with frustration. "I'm doing what I can! I'm here now, aren't I? I'm trying my best to balance everything, and you're piling more on me!"

Sonakshi's face grew red, tears threatening to spill. "You think it's easy for me? I've been trying to keep it all together, and it feels like you're not even here with me. I need you to understand that we're in this together, and it's not just about your work."

Dev ran a hand through his hair, his own frustration evident. "I get that! I do. But I'm running on empty. I've been pushing myself so hard to provide for us, and I come back to more arguments. I can't keep up with this."

The room fell silent for a moment, the tension thick between them. Sonakshi took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "I'm sorry, Dev. I didn't mean to add to your stress. I just... I feel like I'm carrying too much right now, and I needed to talk to you."

Dev's expression softened slightly, though his fatigue was still apparent. "I'm sorry too. I know it's been hard for you. I'm just so tired. I want to be there for you, but I'm struggling to stay awake."

Sonakshi sat down on the edge of the couch, her anger melting into concern. "Let's just try to get through this. I'm here for you, but I need you to be here for me too. We'll figure it out together."

Dev nodded, his eyes closing again as he leaned back. "I promise. I'll make it up to you. I just need to rest for a bit."

Sonakshi sat quietly beside him, her thoughts a swirl of worry and frustration. She knew the night would be long, and the challenges ahead would be tough. But she also knew that, despite their arguments, their love for each other remained strong.

As Dev finally drifted into a restless sleep, Sonakshi took solace in the hope that, with time, they would find a way to support each other through the storm.