Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

116. Affections Missing From My World

In the middle of a discussion, her mom turned to Sarah and asked, “Ryan prefers tea or coffee?”

Without looking up, Sarah answered flatly, “Coffee.”

Her mom continued, “Sugar?”

“Hmm,” Sarah mumbled, clearly not interested in the conversation.

“Does he take heavy milk or light milk?”

At this point, Sarah let out a frustrated sigh and snapped, “Why are you asking me all this? He’s right there -- ask him yourself.”

Her mom, unfazed by Sarah’s irritation, nudged her gently, smiling. “Go on, make him a coffee.”

Sarah’s frustration was evident, and she groaned softly, “I’ve been working nonstop for the wedding, and now I have to do this too?”

Her mom gave her a knowing look, the kind that mothers give when their children can’t win an argument. Without another word, Sarah stood and made her way to the kitchen.

After a while, Sarah returned, holding a steaming cup of coffee. She handed it to me without saying a word, her eyes barely meeting mine.

Her dad broke the silence with a chuckle. "I can only imagine how much she must trouble you, Ryan. I apologize for her behavior. We must have failed somewhere—we didn’t raise her like we did Shriya or Sonal."

I smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "It’s alright. I understand. It must’ve been challenging for you, looking after her all these years."

Sarah, clearly not amused, cut in, "Dad, you’re making me sound like the worst daughter. And Ryan," she turned to me with narrowed eyes, "it would be wise for you not to add to this conversation."

Before I could respond, Shriya chimed in, a teasing grin on her face, "See, Maa? She’s always been bossy with us, and now she’s bossing her husband around too. Sarah, you really need to work on that attitude of yours."

Sarah crossed her arms, indignant. "What’s wrong with my behavior? I think my attitude is just fine."

The bickering continued, with everyone chiming in with their stories and complaints about Sarah. It was like a never-ending chain of playful teasing.
Despite all the complaints, there was a warmth in the air, an underlying affection that I missed in my place.

Her mother glanced at the clock and then back at me, concern evident in her voice. "Ryan, it’s already midnight. I should’ve asked sooner. Have you had dinner?"

I forced a polite smile, not wanting to cause any fuss. "Oh, don’t worry. I’ve already had dinner. Thanks for the concern."

She nodded, but her eyes flicked to Sarah. "Sarah, take Ryan to your room so he can settle in."

Sarah led me to her room. I quickly went to freshen up. When I returned, I noticed the door was locked, and Sarah had a plate full of food in her hands.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You didn’t eat yet?" I glanced at the clock. It was already past midnight.

She shrugged casually. "Guests are still around. Sonal and Maa are just eating now."

I felt a bit awkward, unsure if I should confess, but the hunger gnawed at me. I stole quick glances at her. Noticing my hesitance, she raised her eyebrow at me and asked, "Want a bite?"

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Actually… to be honest, I haven’t had dinner. I haven’t eaten anything since the afternoon."

Sarah’s eyes widened, and she placed her hands on her hips, giving me a mock scolding look. "Idiot! Why didn’t you say something earlier? There’s no more food left in the kitchen!"

I mumbled sheepishly, "It was late. I didn’t want to trouble your mom."

She put the plate down on the bed. "Fifty-fifty."

I jumped onto the bed like a child, causing the mattress to bounce slightly. Sitting, facing her, I couldn’t help but feel at ease, as we shared the meal.

After dinner, I sprawled out on her bed, inhaling the familiar scent of her sheets. It was comforting in a way I didn’t expect. Sarah disappeared to the kitchen to return the plate, and when she came back, she stopped at the doorway, arms crossed, staring at me.

I raised an eyebrow, "What?"

She shot me an exasperated look. "Where am I supposed to sleep?"

I shrugged casually, "How should I know? It’s your home."

Her voice was filled with annoyance as she explained, "Shriya, Sonal, and Maa are sharing a bed. Amreesh is with Dad and the guests. The guest room is already packed, and apparently, everyone agrees that your husband can’t share a bed with anyone else. So I’ve been designated to stay with you."

I chuckled, propping myself up on my elbows. "See? You're privileged because of me. You get the entire room thanks to having a 'full package' husband like me. What’s the big deal? We’ve been sharing a room back at our place."

She furrowed her brow. "Your room has a couch. We don’t have one here."