His Hidden Heart

Chapter 4

MEHEK

I cleared my throat to make my presence known. He turned around, and for the second time since our marriage, our eyes locked. Though it lasted only a second, just like before, it stirred something inside me I couldn’t explain, so I decided to ignore it.

He excused himself from the person on the phone, his brows furrowed slightly and his gaze returned to me. "Yeah?"

"Huh, did you sleep well?" I asked him, not even knowing exactly what I was doing. There was this little awkwardness inside me while standing in front of him.

A string of feminine laughter echoed in my ears as I titled my head, only to find Meena standing behind me, now covering her mouth to control her laughter. Her eyes moved from my face to Vihaan's and she blinked before almost running away from there.

I turned my attention back to him and found him already attentive, probably waiting for me to say something.

"You know, you’re allowed to say something too. It doesn’t always have to be me doing the talking." I chuckled dryly, playing with my pallu.

His jaw tensed as he clenched it and looked away. I could really see he was irritated with what I said.

Letting out a long, strained breath, he ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I slept well," he murmured in a low, muffled voice, his gaze lingering on the floor for a few seconds, before he walked away without any other word.

I wasn’t sure what to make of the whole exchange. He spoke to me, even if it were just four words. Sure, he was likely irritated by my tone earlier, but if it helped him speak up, wasn't it worth it to me??

Also, I felt relieved that he didn’t seem to know about me pulling the pillow from under his head last night.

Or maybe he was just too hesitant to ask me?

I sighed and saw him heading toward his...well, our room.

Oh, did I just forget to tell him to about  breakfast?

I rushed up the stairs, quickly making my way to our room. Without a second thought, I pushed the door open, and my eyes immediately landed on his bare back. He spun around at the sudden sound and I heard his startled voice escaping, "What the—"

He glanced at me, stunned, and then his expression softened. “Is something wrong?”

My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I fumbled for words, my gaze dropping to the floor. "Uh, Maa is calling you for breakfast." And with that, I spun to leave, only to turn back again, closing the door, and then finally walk away.

Great. He probably thought I was invading his personal space. But what was I supposed to do? My mother-in-law had sent me, after all. Maybe I should’ve knocked first. I was never this awkward before.

I made my way toward the dining table. Once I reached there, I saw Meena arranging plates on the table. She greeted me with a smile, which I returned and asked, "Where's Maa?" 

"She’s in her room, but she should be here soon," Meena replied.

"Oh," biting the inside of my cheek, I thought of asking her why she laughed when I was talking to Vihaan. "Why did you laugh earlier?"

She looked down at the plates and grinned sheepishly. "I’m sorry, Bhabhi, but I couldn't help overhearing you both. The way you two were talking..." she giggled, covering her mouth.

I rolled my eyes and pulled out a chair for me. "We weren’t talking, it was mostly me. Yes, he did say four words, but that was after you left." I pouted, making her laugh more.

"By the way, Meena, does your bhaiya ever talk to you? You know, ever had a proper conversation?" I asked, glancing at the tea cups and aaloo parathas.

Her brows scrunched and her eyes flickered to the floor, thinking what I had just asked, then she opened her mouth. "Yes, he talks to me whenever there's something worth talking about."

I was about to press her for more when I heard footsteps. I looked up to see Maa entering the dining room. I stood up and pulled out the chair at the head of the table for her. She smiled gratefully as she sat.

"Mehek," Maa called out my name and I turned towards her. "Vihaan is coming, right?" She asked further.

I glanced at the stairs, then back at her. "I think so. I did call him, but I don’t know if he’ll actually come. He didn’t say anything." I shrugged.

She nodded and gestured for Meena to start serving. "He often skips breakfast and dinner at home."

Well, I had done my part. It was up to him now.

Just as I took a seat beside my mother-in-law, I caught a glimpse of Vihaan descending the stairs. A moment later, he joined us and glance around, before he sat beside me.

"Vihaan," Maa’s voice brought our attention to her, and I saw him lean in slightly, listening. "When Mehek asked you to join for breakfast, you should’ve answered her."

His warm brown eyes shifted to me, while he knitted his brows together in slight confusion. I noticed his damp, neatly trimmed hair clung to his forehead, making him look effortlessly put-together, or maybe something more than that.

At first glance, I thought he must have gotten ready for the office, but then my gaze dropped a little lower to his casual outfit of a T-shirt and trousers.

"In that case, I suppose one had to wait for me to answer, not to run away immediately,"

His voice snapped me out of wherever I was. I froze for a moment, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. Did he really just—?