𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐟𝐞

59 The Red Thread of Misunderstanding

So sorry for the delay in today's update! The chapter wasn't fully edited until yesterday, which is why I couldn't upload it last evening.

But I promise to keep the updates regular—and starting next week, I'll even try to increase the number of updates!

Let me know which day you'd like to see an extra update (besides Tuesday, which is regular, and Sunday, when I update BRS Tale). I'd love to hear your thoughts 💜

—ADS

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THIRD PERSON POV:

"Orphanage," she replied, looking into his eyes.

"Why the orphanage?" he asked gently, curious.

"I love spending time with children who have no one. I used to visit one in Mumbai near my office—every weekend. They loved being with me, and I loved being with them," she blurted out, her eyes glowing. A smile spread across Arjun's face, seeing her so happy.

"Okay, now sleep. We have somewhere to go tomorrow," he said, pulling her head onto his chest.

He messaged his assistant about the plan and dropped a note in the friends' group. Placing the phone on the side table, he turned off the night lamp and began caressing her hair until sleep claimed them both.

Midnight

Arjun's sleep broke to the sound of muffled cries and restless movements. He opened his eyes to find Avni thrashing in his arms, mumbling incoherently.

"Dad, please believe me... I didn't hit her."

"Dad, I came first in class... please get me ice cream."

"Dadda, I want to go to the park too..."

"Bhai, don't send me there... he's not good to me..."

"Don't come near me... no, no, don't touch me..."

"Leave me... I'll tell Papa... Pa... paa..."

"Help... help..."

Her breathing turned erratic. Arjun snapped out of his shock and held her hands to stop her from hurting herself. He tapped her cheeks, whispered her name, and spoke soothing words in her ear. Slowly, her breathing calmed, and sleep returned.

He kept stroking her hair, wondering: Was it a nightmare—or a flashback from her past?

Eventually, sleep took him too.

Morning

Arjun woke to the soft touch of fingers on his face. Avni, already awake, was gently brushing his hair off his forehead, tracing his nose, cheeks, and jaw.

Suddenly, he caught her hand and opened his eyes. She gasped.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to disturb your sleep," she whispered.

"Shhh... baby, you didn't disturb me. I was already awake. I love your little gestures," he said, placing a finger on her lips.

She fell silent. He gazed into her eyes, then stroked her lower lip with his thumb.

"May I, baby?" he asked, leaning in. She blinked once.

He kissed her softly, possessively. After a moment, he pulled back and caressed her cheek.

"Good morning, wifey," he whispered, hoping she wouldn't remember the nightmare.

"Good morning," she replied shyly.