PART 35

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{The cricket practice facility is alive with the sounds of bats hitting balls, players shouting, and the occasional laughter echoing. However, amidst this energy, Abhay feels a heaviness in his heart. It's unusual for him not to see Kavya around, especially since she's usually the one brightening the atmosphere with her contagious enthusiasm.}

{As practice concludes, Abhay wipes the sweat from his brow, glancing around for Kavya. The rest of the team starts to disperse, but he lingers, a sense of unease washing over him.}

Abhay (to Shubman, who is nearby): "Have you seen Kavya today? She wasn't at the practice, and I was hoping she'd come by."

Shubman (sighing): "No, man. She's probably tied up with those social media plans for the team. You know how hectic it gets for her."

{Abhay nods but can't shake off the feeling that something isn't right. He remembers the last few days when Kavya had seemed particularly overwhelmed with work.}

{After practice, the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, but Abhay feels like he's in a bubble of anxiety. He watches his teammates chat and laugh, but his mind is elsewhere.}

Abhay (muttering to himself): "I should have checked in on her... What if she's struggling and I'm just here, playing cricket like it's all fine?"

{Finally, he makes his way toward Aparna, who's sitting with her laptop, oblivious to the unease brewing within him.}

Abhay (hesitant): "Aparna, have you seen Kavya? I'm getting worried; she wasn't at practice today."

{Aparna looks up, her expression shifting to one of amusement.}

Aparna: "Oh, she's probably just busy with her little projects. You know how dedicated she is, right? Always working hard."

Abhay (growing serious): "That's just it. I'm worried she's pushing herself too hard. If you know anything, please tell me."

{Aparna's eyes glimmer with mischief, but Abhay is too focused on his concern to notice.}

Aparna: "Well, she might be at home, working herself to the bone. But if you're really worried, maybe WE could... stop by and check on her?"

{Abhay narrows his eyes, sensing her ulterior motives.}

Abhay (sternly): "I'm not going to play games, Aparna. Kavya is my wife, and I care about her. I'm going to find her, and you need to respect that."

{He turns away, determination fueling his steps as he heads toward the locker room, leaving Aparna momentarily stunned.}

{As Abhay walks through the corridor, his heart races. He remembers the countless moments he could have been more attentive, how he often took Kavya's presence for granted.}

[ In the locker room, the lively chatter of his teammates fades into the background as his focus sharpens on one thought—Kavya.]

Abhay (to himself): "I should have been there for her. I need to be better."

{Just then, a staff member approaches, concern etched on their face.}

Staff Member: "Abhay, I think you should know. Kavya is home, and she didn't look well. I heard she seemed quite sick."

{The words hit him like a punch to the gut.}

Abhay (voice rising): "What? Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?"

{Abhay races to his car, his mind swirling with worst-case scenarios. He can't believe he let this happen.}

Abhay (frantically driving): "What if she's really sick? I should have been more present... I should have noticed the signs."

{The city blurs past him as he drives, every moment feeling heavier. Memories flood his mind: Kavya's laughter, the way she lights up a room, the warmth in her smile—how could he have let her feel alone?}

{Abhay bursts through the door of their home, a familiar yet now foreign space that suddenly feels laden with worry.}

{He finds Kavya curled up on the couch, her face pale and her hair tousled. The sight sends a rush of panic through him.}

Abhay (kneeling beside her, panic rising): "Kavya! What happened? Why didn't you call me?"

{Kavya opens her eyes slowly, a weak smile barely making it to her lips.}

Kavya (voice barely a whisper): "I thought I could manage. Just got overwhelmed with work... didn't want to bother you."

{Abhay's heart aches at her words, realizing how much she's been holding in.}

Abhay (gently brushing her hair back): "You're never a bother. You should have told me. You look awful, Kavya. This isn't like you."

{Kavya tries to sit up, but he gently pushes her back down.}

Kavya (softly, trying to reassure him): "I guess I pushed myself too hard. I didn't mean to worry you."

Abhay (voice firm, yet caring): "You need to take care of yourself. You're important to me. I want to be here for you, to help you, not just in good times but in bad, too."

{Abhay stands and quickly heads to the kitchen, grabbing a blanket and making herbal tea. He's determined to make sure she feels better.}

{As he prepares, he talks to himself, his worry turning into determination.}

Abhay (muttering): "I can't let her feel alone. She's my partner, my family... I'll do whatever it takes."

{Returning to Kavya, he wraps her in the blanket, sitting beside her on the couch. He hands her the warm cup of tea, his heart heavy with concern.}

Abhay: "Drink this. It'll help. You need to rest and hydrate."

{Kavya takes a sip, the warmth of the tea soothing her. She looks at Abhay, seeing the worry etched across his face.}

Kavya (gratefully): "Thank you, Abhishek. I'm sorry for not telling you how stressed I was."

Abhay (sincerely, holding her hand): "No more apologies. I want to be there for you, okay? You don't have to go through this alone. You're my wife, and I care about you."

{Kavya looks into Abhay's eyes, a flicker of realization dawning upon her. His sincerity makes her heart swell, but she feels conflicted.}

Kavya: "I didn't want to be a burden. I thought I could handle everything on my own."

Abhay (squeezing her hand): "Kavya, you could never be a burden to me. You're my partner in everything. We're a team, remember?"

{Kavya nods, feeling the truth in his words. She realizes that she's been shutting him out, trying to carry the weight of her work alone.}

Kavya: "I guess I've been so focused on proving myself that I forgot to lean on you. You've been trying so hard to make things right after everything that happened."

Abhay (leaning closer): "And I'll keep trying, every single day. Just promise me you won't hesitate to lean on me when things get tough. I want to be there for you."

{As the evening progresses, the atmosphere begins to lighten. Abhay remains by Kavya's side, helping her get comfortable. They share stories and memories, laughter gradually filling the room.}

Kavya: "You know, you've really changed since we got married. I can see how much you care, Abhishek ."

Abhay (smiling softly): "I've learned a lot from you. You've shown me what it means to be dedicated and resilient. I admire that about you."

{Kavya feels a warmth spreading in her chest, realizing how much Abhay has stepped up for her.}

Kavya: "Thank you for being here. I didn't realize how much I needed you until now."

Abhay: "And I'll always be here. You're worth every effort, and I'll show you that, day in and day out."

{Their foreheads touch, a gentle moment of connection that feels profound. The tension between them starts to dissolve, leaving room for understanding and love to flourish.}

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