Malhotra's Bride

10.

I am so happy today 😭🌙😄😄😄
Since we have hit 1.k on our story here's an early update.
I am so grateful for all of you to support my story, thanku so much.
I can't express how happy I am but I can give you a long chapter update.🎀💌

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As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city, the atmosphere between Ashvin and Aditi had turned cold. They stood in the small cafe where they had shared countless laughs, but today, the air was thick with tension, and the familiar scent of coffee felt suffocating.

"Ashvin.." Aditi said trying to initiate a conversation with him as all he was doing was attending calls from his clients ever since he came.

"Hmm." He replied.

“I just don’t understand why you can’t make time for me anymore, Ashvin!” Aditi’s voice trembled with frustration, her eyes glistening with unshed tears while Ashvin shifted his attention towards her.

She fiddled with the bracelet he had given her on their anniversary, a small gesture that now felt like a painful reminder of happier times. “It feels like you’re more invested in your work than in us.”

Ashvin ran a hand through his hair, confusion visible on his face. “what made you think like that,I’m trying to build a future for us, Aditi! You know how important this project is for my career. I thought you’d support me, not make me feel guilty for working hard.” His voice cracked slightly, revealing the strain he felt beneath his bravado.

Aditi crossed her arms, her expression a mix of hurt and anger. “It’s not about that! It’s about us! You’re always busy, and when we do spend time together, you’re distracted. I feel like I’m losing you.” Her voice wavered, and Ashvin could see the pain in her eyes, a reflection of his own turmoil.

The words hung in the air, heavy and painful. Ashvin’s heart raced as he struggled to find the right response.

“I’m here, aren’t I? I’m trying to make things better for both of us. Can’t you see that?” He took a step closer, hoping to bridge the growing distance between them.

But Aditi shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “Maybe you’re trying, but it’s not enough. I need more than just your presence; I need your attention, your love. I feel like I’m fighting for something that’s slipping away."

She looked down, her fingers tracing the edge of the table, as if searching for something solid to hold onto.

As the argument continue d, the cafe around them faded into the background. Other patrons glanced over, sensing the storm brewing between the couple.

Ashvin’s frustration boiled over. “What do you want me to say, Aditi? That I’ll stop working to spend time with you.? That’s not realistic!. I am making time for us right?"

Aditi’s eyes flashed with anger, but beneath it, Ashvin could see the vulnerability.

“Maybe it’s not realistic, but it’s what I need! I can’t keep pretending everything is fine when it’s not. I feel so alone in this relationship.” Her voice cracked, and Ashvin felt a pang of guilt wash over him.

The finality of her words struck Ashvin like a blow. He opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. Instead, silence enveloped them, a chaos widening between their hearts.

“I can’t do this anymore,” Aditi finally said, her voice breaking. “I need to think about what I want, and right now, I don’t think it’s you.” Tears spilled down her cheeks, and Ashvin felt his own heart shatter at the sight.