His Captive 21+

59

As days passed, Anum's mood swings grew increasingly unpredictable. One moment she was content, and in the next, she found herself irritated or upset over the smallest of things. Irtaza noticed but never said a word. Instead, he quietly made efforts to keep her happy.

One night, as the clock ticked past three in the morning, Irtaza woke up to get some water. As he glanced at Anum, he was surprised to find her sitting on the edge of the bed, arms crossed tightly, clearly looking upset,

"Anum, tum soyi nahi? Tumhe kuch chahiye?" Irtaza asked softly, his voice laced with concern. (Anum, haven't you slept? Do you need anything?)

Anum didn't respond, her gaze fixed straight ahead, jaw clenched. Irtaza got up and crouched down to meet her eyes. "Anum?" he called gently.

Finally, she snapped, her voice dripping with irritation. "Bhook lag rahi hai mujhe." (I'm hungry.)

Irtaza blinked in surprise. "Bas itni si baat? Neeche chalo, me tumhe khana daal ke deta hun," he replied calmly, relieved that it wasn't something more serious. (That's it? Let's go downstairs, I'll serve you food.)

But his suggestion seemed to irritate her even more. She shot him a glare and, through gritted teeth, said, "Ap se baat hi karna fazool hai!" (Talking to you is pointless!)

Irtaza felt a wave of frustration wash over him. He wasn't used to being spoken to like this. In his world, no one ever dared raise their voice at him. Yet, here was his own wife, speaking to him with a tone that would have angered anyone else. He clenched his fists slightly, willing himself to stay calm.

"Tum agar bataogi nahi, toh me kaise tumhari help karunga?" he asked, his voice firmer now, though he kept his temper in check.  (If you don't tell me, how will I be able to help you?)

Anum gave him an annoyed look and finally muttered, "Mujhe pani puri khaani hai." (I want to eat pani puri.)

Irtaza stared at her, taken aback. "Pani puri? Is waqt?" (Pani puri? At this time?)

"Mujhe abhi khaani hai! Pani puri ka bhi koi time hota hai kya?" (I want to eat it right now! Is there even a specific time for pani puri?)

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Raat ke teen baje koi pani puri wala nahi khula hota. So jao ab, subah jaake le aayenge." (No pani puri vendor is open at 3 a.m. Go to sleep now, we'll get it in the morning.)

Her only response was silence, but tears started pooling in her eyes, slowly spilling down her cheeks as she turned her face away from him. The sight of her tears dissolved his frustration instantly. He walked over to her, concern etched on his face.

"Anum, tum ro rahi ho?" he asked softly, his voice full of worry. (Anum, are you crying?)

She didn't respond, just lay down and pulled the duvet over herself, turning away from him. Irtaza felt helpless. He didn't know what to say or do to ease her mind. After a moment, he grabbed his phone and dialed someone.

After a brief conversation, he hung up and walked back over to the bed. "Anum, utho." (Anum, get up.)

She didn't respond.

"Anum," he tried again, his voice a little firmer now. "Utho. Pani puri khane chalein." (Get up. Lets go get pani puri.)

At that, she quickly turned around to face him, her eyes wide with surprise and confusion. "Ji?" (What?)

"Ji haan, ap ke liye teen baje restaurant khulwaya hai." (Yes, of course, I had a restaurant opened just for you at 3 a.m.)

Her jaw dropped slightly, and she blinked at him, trying to process what he had just said. "Sach mein?" she asked in disbelief.  (Really?)