His dark obsession

20. A battle

Samyuktika's expression turned concerned. "You must be starving. Eat something," she said.

Ekansh shook his head. "I'm not hungry."

But Samyuktika wouldn't let up. "It's not good to sleep on an empty stomach," she insisted.

Ekansh raised an eyebrow, but Samyuktika's firm grip pulled him toward the dining room.

She made him sit down and began serving him food. Ekansh didn't resist.

As Samyuktika placed the plate in front of him, her words echoed in his mind: "It's not good to sleep on an empty stomach."

Suddenly, he was transported back to his childhood. His mother used to say the same thing.

The memory struck a chord. For a moment, Ekansh felt vulnerable.

Samyuktika's words weren't just a phrase; they were a reminder of warmth and care.

He looked up at her, searching for something.

But Samyuktika's expression remained neutral.

"Eat," she said softly.

Ekansh picked up his fork, the familiar words still resonating within him.

As he took his first bite, Samyuktika's gaze lingered.

For an instant, their eyes locked.

In that fleeting moment, something unspoken passed between them.

Ekansh finished his meal, the flavors lingering on his palate. Samyuktika watched him, her expression softening ever so slightly.

"Thanks," Ekansh said, pushing his plate away. Samyuktika nodded, collecting the dishes. "You should eat properly, especially after a long day."

Ekansh's gaze followed her as she moved to the kitchen. Their argument earlier seemed to have dissipated, replaced by a tentative truce.

As Samyuktika returned with a glass of water, Ekansh took it from her hand, their fingers brushing briefly. "Thanks," he repeated, his voice low.

Samyuktika's eyes met his, a flicker of understanding passing between them. The silence was no longer tense, but companionable.

For a moment, they just looked at each other. Then Ekansh broke the spell, downing the water in one gulp. "I've got work to finish," he said, standing up.

Samyuktika nodded, stepping aside. As Ekansh walked away, Samyuktika's gaze lingered on his retreating back. Their evening had taken an unexpected turn.

From argument to nostalgia. From tension to truce. The night still held secrets. But for now. There was a fragile peace.

Samyuktika yawned, setting her phone aside. She slipped off her shoes and climbed onto the bed. The softness enveloped her. As she settled into the pillows.

Her gaze drifted to Ekansh. Still engrossed in his work. On the couch. The laptop's glow highlighted. His concentrated expression.

Samyuktika's thoughts wandered. To their earlier argument. And the truce that followed. Their relationship was.

Complicated. Full of ups and downs. But moments like these. Made her wonder. If they could find.

A middle ground. Where love wasn't. A battlefield. But a sanctuary. Her eyelids drooped.

As exhaustion took over. The last thing she saw. Was Ekansh's focused face. Before sleep claimed her.

Samyuktika's eyes fluttered open. She reached for her phone. And began scrolling through it.

Her social media feed. Was filled with updates. From friends and acquaintances. She liked a few posts. And commented on others. Her mind . wandered. To Ekansh.

Still working on the couch. Their evening had been. Peculiar. From argument to truce. And now. This comfortable silence.

Her phone displayed. A notification. From an old friend. Inviting her to a gathering. This weekend. Should she go?

Would Ekansh mind? Or would he. Not even notice? She pondered. As her eyes drifted. Back to Ekansh. Lost in his work.

Samyuktika turned to Ekansh. "There's a gathering this weekend. Should I go?"

Ekansh's expression turned cold, his voice firm. "No." Samyuktika's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why not?" Ekansh's gaze didn't waver. "Just don't."

His tone was final, dismissive. Samyuktika's lips pressed together, her jaw clenched. The silence between them grew tense.

Ekansh returned to his work, his focus unwavering. Samyuktika's gaze lingered on him, then shifted away, her mind racing.

Samyuktika's anger simmered, her eyes flashing. Ekansh closed his laptop, stood up, and walked to the bed. He slipped under the covers, his movements quiet.

Samyuktika turned her back to him. Without a word, she grabbed a handful of pillows.

And placed them down the center of the bed. A clear divide. Ekansh raised an eyebrow. But said nothing.

He settled into his side. The pillows formed a barrier. Physical and emotional. The king-sized bed.

Now felt like a battleground. The silence between them. Was heavy with unspoken words.

Ekansh turned off the lights. The darkness emphasized. The distance between them. Samyuktika's anger.

Ekansh's indifference. The pillows stood. Like sentinels. Guarding their separate worlds.

Samyuktika's eyes flew open. She gasped, her heart racing. Ekansh's head rested on her stomach.

His face relaxed in sleep. For a moment, she forgot. Their argument. The pillows. The divide.

Her hands instinctively cradled his head.
As if to protect him. But reality crashed back. She jerked upright, pushing Ekansh away.

"Wh-what are you doing?" she stammered. Ekansh's eyes fluttered open. Confusion clouded his gaze. Then awareness dawned.

He sat up, rubbing his eyes. "The pillows," he muttered. "I must have moved them in my sleep."

Samyuktika's cheeks flushed. Anger and embarrassment. "You shouldn't have."

Ekansh's eyes locked onto hers. For a moment, they just stared. The tension between them. Still palpable.

But something else. A spark. A glimmer. Of connection. Ekansh broke the gaze. "Sorry," he muttered.

And swung his legs over the side of the bed. Leaving Samyuktika. Breathless. And bewildered.

Samyuktika and Ekansh stood outside the bathroom, locked in a stubborn stalemate. "I'm bathing first," Samyuktika insisted.

"No, I am," Ekansh countered. The tension between them crackled. With a mischievous glint, Samyuktika suddenly tickled Ekansh's sides.

He yelped, doubling over. Seizing the opportunity, Samyuktika darted into the bathroom.

She slammed the door shut and locked it. Ekansh recovered, grinning. "Cheater!" he called out.

Samyuktika's laughter echoed from within. She stuck her tongue out at him through the gap at the top of the door.

Ekansh chuckled, shaking his head. "Guess I lost this round." Their playful banter filled the air.

As Samyuktika began her shower. Ekansh leaned against the door. Listening to her hum a happy tune.Their morning started with laughter. And a hint of reconciliation.