I Don't Need Care

Part 13

"I hate you," she whispered, pulling herself free from his grip and heading toward the bathroom.

It was her habit. Whenever she got sad and wanted to cry, she moved to the bathroom. She didn't like to show her tears.

Just as she was about to enter, he blocked her way standing tall in front of her.

"Aadya, please. I'm so sorry for everything. I know I've hurt you a lot, but please, don't do the same thing I did. Don't shut me out," he pleaded trying to hold her.

"You talk as if you care" She glared at him furiously.

She was angry. Very angry.

"I do care, Aadya" He whispered trying to hold her hand but she pushed him away.

She angrily rubbed her eyes before letting her tears fall, her tears were betraying her, "No, you don't."

"I do" he hated himself for pushing her to the limits. He hated seeing her in so much pain just because of him. Just because of a mere misunderstanding.

"Then I don't need your care" she muttered pushing him away and running into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

Shivaansh stood there hopeless. He was angry at himself for not listening to her before.

He decided to step out of the room to give her some space and cool down.

As soon as he stepped out, his eyes fell on Tanya who still strolling near his room.

He had almost forgotten about her. Earlier, he'd stopped Aadya from confronting Tanya because he knew she was upset and might later regret saying things out of anger. And during their conversations, he had well identified that Aadya was the type who wanted solitude when she felt sad or betrayed, and she would often push people away until she could process her emotions.

But as soon as Tanya saw him, she approached, reminding him of the donation money.

Shivaansh reluctantly pulled out his card and kept it in her hand. If his wife gets to know about this, she will slice his hand into pieces looking at the situation and how angry she already was.

With a smirk, Tanya left as soon as she had the card. Shivaansh stayed in the hallway a little longer hoping Aadya would calm down.

Hours passed. Eventually, as midnight neared, he peeked into the room only to find her asleep on her side of the bed.

Shivaansh moved towards the bed and the moment he looked at her face, her innocent face, he couldn't help but feel guilty for everything.

He was such a stupid person to hurt her like that.

"Aadya, I'm truly sorry. I swear I won't make the same mistake again." But the words sounded hollow even to him. He'd said them before, hadn't he? And look where they were now.

He felt so foolish.

She won't trust him again.

He lay down beside her, watching her back as she faced away from him the whole night.

The next morning, she was up before him. Glancing at the clock, he realized it was much earlier than usual for her. He jumped up looking for her, only to find her staring blankly off the balcony.

He went towards the balcony, where she was sitting staring in the nothingness.

"Aadya" he called gently.

She turned, looked at him, and simply said, "Shut up." Then she moved to the closet, grabbing her clothes.

"Well, Good morning to you too" Shivaansh smiled cheekily trying to lighten the mood but she was only getting irritated with everything. She slammed shut the door on his face before he could pass a comment.

Shivaansh realized it was not that easy.

When she came out, she ignored him entirely, readying herself without a word, slipping out of the room before he had a chance to speak.

Sighing, he began getting ready as well.

Luckily, it was Sunday and he had the whole day to make things right. Determined to mend his mistakes, he went downstairs where he found Aadya helping his mother settle in her chair.

He smiled at the sight. Their bond was something truly sweet. They acted like long-lost friends, and he couldn't be happier about it.

He greeted his mother and his maternal Aunt-Uncle, serving himself breakfast. Just as he took his first bite, he heard his maternal aunt murmur under her breath, "Today's generation lacks so many manners."

Shivaansh's brows furrowed. Glancing over, he saw her looking at Aadya.

"In our day, we would serve our in-laws first, then our husbands, and only eat what was left after them. Today's generation has no respect for elders or husbands," she said in a disapproving voice.

His jaw clenched at her comment. How dare she talk like that? And talk of manners he didn't recall her doing anything of the sort when his grandparents were alive.

He knew Aadya's didn't take anyone's shit. He waited for her reply but there was absolutely nothing from her side. She was quietly eating her breakfast as if nothing happened. Whereas his mother looked uncomfortable at the comment. 

Did this happen often?

He mostly didn't eat breakfast with everyone and if it happened every day he was completely oblivious to that. 

Why had Aadya never mentioned it?

Of course, she hadn't. They barely spoke about her feelings or her life here. Their conversations had always revolved around him, his work, his preferences. He had ignored the possibility that she might be struggling, never even asking how his family treated her despite knowing their nature.

"We wouldn't even raise our voices in front of our husbands, let alone sit beside them and eat. But today..."

Her words were cut short by Shivaansh's calm voice which was full of restrained anger. "Mami, I think you should focus on teaching manners to Tanya. She's the one getting married soon, after all."

His aunt gulped, trying to justify herself. "I wasn't talking about Aadya specifically, Shivaansh, I was just saying..."

"I know you're concerned, Mami, but please, focus your guidance on Tanya. Her marriage is right around the corner, isn't it?" He gave her a tight-lipped smile, leaving no room for further discussion.

From the corner of his eye, he noticed Tanya making faces at her mother, but he ignored it, turning his focus back to his food.

His mother looked relieved, pleased that he had defended Aadya, but Shivaansh was furious with himself.

How had he overlooked the possibility of his aunt's harsh treatment toward her? Knowing their nature, how could he have left Aadya to face them alone?

He had married her with promises to protect her, to care for her, yet he had abandoned her amid this mess. 

Aadya was the eldest daughter of a respected business tycoon, Rayaan Oberoi, cherished and loved by her family. And here he was, allowing her to face a barrage of disrespect and criticism.

His guilt weighed heavier with each passing thought. How many times had she heard such remarks in his absence? How often had she felt alone, unwelcome in what was supposed to be her new home?

The food stuck in his throat. At this point, he didn't even feel worthy of a second chance. He had tainted what should have been a beautiful beginning to their marriage, ruining precious moments that could have been cherished memories.

He failed as a husband.