Bound By Fate

chapter 27

Shivaay dragged himself through the door, his shoulders slumped, tie half-loosened, and eyes heavy with exhaustion. Every step seemed to take all the energy he had left as he dropped his bag by the door and slumped onto the sofa, not even bothering to take off his shoes.

Anika walked in quietly after checking on Ansh and paused when she saw him— She could tell it had been a rough day. She walked over and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“Shivaay, go change out of these clothes. I’ll warm up dinner,” she said softly, hoping he’d feel a bit better with some food. But Shivaay simply closed his eyes and leaned back, barely able to move. “No, just… stay here with me,” he murmured, reaching for her hand.

With a small sigh, Anika sat beside him, letting him rest his head on her shoulder. She gently ran her fingers through his hair

As Anika sat next to Shivaay on the sofa, she could see how drained he was, his eyes half-closed and his shoulders slumped. “You should freshen up a bit. It’ll help you feel more like yourself.”

“Alright,” he said quietly

With heavy steps, he made his way toward their bedroom, dragging his feet slightly.

“Take your time.I’ll warm up dinner.”she said

He managed a small nod as he entered the room.

Anika moved to the kitchen, her thoughts still on Shivaay as she heated up their dinner.

After a few minutes, she plated the food and carried it to their bedroom, hoping that he had managed to find a little rest. As she quietly opened the door, her heart sank when she saw him sprawled across the bed, fast asleep.

She moved closer, setting the food on the nightstand, and gently brushed a hand over his shoulder. “Shivaay,” she whispered, trying to wake him. He stirred slightly, groaning as he shifted but didn’t fully wake.

“Come on, sleepyhead.Shivaay, you have to eat something,” she insisted

She gently shook him again, this time a bit more firmly. “Wake up. I made your favorite.”

He finally opened his eyes, blinking up at her “I’m not hungry,” he replied

“Just a few bites, please,” Anika urged, her expression softening. She sat on the edge of the bed, holding the plate in front of him. “ You can’t keep running on empty.”

With a reluctant sigh, Shivaay pushed himself up on one elbow, still looking half-asleep but knowing he couldn’t argue with her. “Fine,” he muttered, a small smile tugging at his lips despite his fatigue.

Anika smiled back, she scooped a bite of food and held it out to him. “Here, just try this. It’ll help, I promise.”

He took the bite, chewing slowly “This is good,” he admitted

“See.Just a little more,” she encouraged, feeding him another bite

As Shivaay took another bite, he glanced up at Anika“Did you have your dinner” he asked, his voice still a little groggy.

Anika smiled softly, nodding. “Yes, I ate earlier.Your son won’t touch his food if I don’t sit with him.”

After finishing his dinner, Shivaay immediately hit the bed, too exhausted to do anything else. He collapsed onto the soft sheets, his eyes already closing as he settled in. Anika watched him for a moment, her heart aching at how worn out he looked.

She quickly grabbed a blanket and gently covered him, tucking it around him. Leaning down, she placed a soft kiss on his forehead. “Rest well,” she whispered before laying down on her side of the bed, facing him.