RESTART

chapter 14

The party hosted by Mr. Johnson was in full swing. The opulent ballroom was alive with the hum of conversation and laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the soft strains of classical music. Jeevika and Abhiman arrived together, and as always, Abhiman was the picture of grace and professionalism.

He introduced Jeevika to various business associates and their spouses, his pride evident in the way he spoke about her. Despite his busy schedule, he made sure to keep an eye on her, always aware of where she was and who she was talking to.

The evening was going smoothly until a sudden commotion broke the rhythm of the party. Abhiman felt a familiar, unwelcome embrace and turned to see his friend’s younger sister, Priya, hugging him tightly. Her eyes were bright with a mix of familiarity and something more unsettling.

Abhiman forced a polite smile and gently but firmly pushed her away. "Priya, it’s good to see you, but please, let go."

Jeevika, who had been mingling with the other guests, noticed the interaction from a distance. Her eyes narrowed as she saw Priya’s affectionate gesture and Abhiman’s strained smile. She made her way towards them, her heart pounding with a mix of confusion and irritation.

As Priya finally released Abhiman and stepped back, Jeevika approached with an icy calmness. "Hi, I’m Jeevika, Abhiman’s wife. I don’t know who you are, but that doesn’t give you the right to hug anyone without their permission."

Priya’s face flushed with anger. She looked at Jeevika with a mix of contempt and disbelief before turning on her heel and storming off. Her mind was already racing with thoughts of revenge, and the sharp, unresolved tension between the three of them left a sour note in the air.

Jeevika turned to Abhiman, her expression still stony. "I need to talk to you. Alone."

Abhiman, taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor, nodded and followed her to a quieter corner of the venue. "Jeevika, what’s wrong? I know Priya was inappropriate, but—"

Jeevika cut him off, her voice low but firm. "I don’t like being put in a position where I have to compete for your attention, Abhiman. I saw how she was all over you. I don’t want to be the ‘wife who is ignored’ at these kinds of events."

Abhiman’s eyes softened with understanding and guilt. "It wasn’t my intention to make you feel that way. I tried to push her away, but she’s persistent. I should have been more assertive."

Jeevika shook her head. "It’s not just about her. It’s about how you handle these situations. I felt sidelined and disrespected."

The rest of the party passed in a haze for Jeevika. She spoke to a few people out of obligation but couldn’t shake the anger and hurt she felt. Abhiman, noticing her mood, tried to engage in light conversation but found it increasingly difficult as the night wore on.

When they finally left the party and returned to their hotel room, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension. Abhiman attempted to bridge the gap by initiating a conversation, but Jeevika remained distant, her feelings still raw from the earlier encounter.

As Abhiman changed into his nightwear and prepared for bed, he glanced over at Jeevika. She had already slipped into her pajamas and was lying under the covers, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Feeling a pang of helplessness, Abhiman sighed and climbed into bed beside her. He reached out a hand, placing it gently on her arm. "Jeevika, I’m really sorry. I know I’ve messed up tonight, but I want us to work through this. Please talk to me."

Jeevika’s silence was a heavy weight in the room. After a moment, she shifted slightly, still not meeting his eyes. "It’s not just tonight, Abhiman. It’s the whole situation. I don’t want to feel like I’m constantly in the background."

Abhiman’s heart ached at her words. He turned to face her, his voice soft and sincere. "I understand. I’ll do better, I promise. I don’t want you to ever feel that way again. You mean everything to me."

Jeevika turned her head slightly, finally meeting his gaze. There was a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. "I need to know that you’re fully committed to us, not just when it’s convenient or easy. I want to be a priority, not just a footnote in your life."

Abhiman nodded, his expression one of resolve. "You are my priority, Jeevika. I will make sure that you feel that way, not just through words but through my actions."

With a small, tentative smile, Jeevika reached out and took his hand. "Thank you, Abhiman."

They settled into their usual positions, with Abhiman holding her close, trying to bridge the emotional gap between them. As they drifted off to sleep, the unresolved tension lingered but was softened by the promise of a more attentive and committed partnership.

In the stillness of the night, they both knew that this was just one of many challenges they would face together. But for now, the warmth of each other’s presence provided a comforting balm for their strained emotions.

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