His Hidden Heart

Chapter 5

MEHEK

"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, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. Did he really just—?

First of all, he actually spoke that much, I could hardly believe it. And the best part? What he actually said.

I glanced around and found Maa and Meena looking back at me with curious gazes. He was chewing his food, expressionless, staring at the table. Great. He probably assumed I was gossiping about him to his mother, complaining about his silent treatment. Not that he wasn’t actually guilty of it.

Clearing my throat, I tried to compose myself. "I wasn’t running away," I muttered, forcing a dry chuckle. "I just thought I’d give you some space."

His expression remained unfazed, and after a few seconds, I realized his vow of silence had taken over again. I felt a small pang of frustration. It wasn’t like I wanted to start a scene. But this guy… he was impossible to read, always keeping things at arm’s length. Here I was, making a fool of myself, practically begging for his attention.

I tore off a piece of the paratha and shoved it into my mouth, choosing silence over saying anything else. Everyone ate quietly, and I didn’t bother glancing his way again. I’d give him what he wanted—silence.

But only until I saw him in private.

I understand that everyone is shaped by their own experiences and circumstances; it leaves a mark. But it wouldn’t hurt to focus on the present and maybe show a little consideration in how we treat others.

I can’t quite figure out why he’s so distant, quiet, a bit guarded. And because of him, we’re on the verge of an argument already while it's barely two days into our marriage. All thanks to his charming aloofness.

Once we were done with the meal, I followed Maa to her room and tried to focus on our conversation. But my mind kept circling back to Vihaan, to the way he had managed to unsettle me with just a handful of words. By the time I made it back to our room, I was ready for answers.

My gaze fell on him, sitting at his desk, working on his laptop. I approached, my eyes fixed on him, but he didn’t even flinch. All my thoughts simmered to the surface, and I stopped near him, crossing my arms.

"Was I supposed to stand there watching you change just to hear you reply?" I blurted, the question sharper than I’d intended.

His fingers didn’t pause on the keyboard; his gaze remained on the screen. I waited, counting the seconds, wondering if he’d actually ignore me yet again.

Fifteen seconds. Twenty. Alright, enough.

Letting out a deep, frustrated groan, I slammed my hands on his desk. "Vihaan, you better talk—"

"Listen, calm down." He got up, cutting me off, his eyes shooting a glare that made me smirk.

"Really, calm down? Do you realize how unwanted you make me feel when you keep ignoring me, while I’m just trying to have a casual conversation with you? How about we talk about that behavior of yours?" I chuckled dryly.
His eyes drifted away, and his body tensed. Something flickered across his face. Something close to guilt.

He exhaled, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Look, I… I’m aware I haven’t been the best with you. I’m trying, alright? This is… just how I am. I don’t mean to make it harder for you." He paused, pressing his lips together. "I’m sorry."

I knitted my brows, staring at him for a few moments. I never thought he would actually say sorry, even though I had caught that flicker of guilt a moment ago. I do know him a bit, even though he never openly talked to me. More than him, it was my mother-in-law who gave me insights about this man. When did he ever call me before our marriage, anyway? Just a few times, and only to ask about wedding shopping details. And that too, felt forced.

  This is Just how I am.

"Why?" I snapped, stepping closer and making him look into my eyes. "Why are you like this, Vihaan?"

He clenched his jaw and met my gaze before speaking. "Why are you so upset? About what I said at the table this morning? I don’t think I said anything wrong. You did leave before I could respond. So don’t go gossiping to Mom."

I gritted my teeth. "Even if I had waited, you would have ignored me. And besides, you were shirtless.....almost naked. How could I stay there without making both of us uncomfortable?"

"Just like you stayed when calling me for breakfast. You could’ve stayed a second or two longer." He raised a brow, and I sighed deeply, trying to release the frustration he was causing me.

"Yeah, right. Next time, I’ll stay even if you’re….fully naked." I snorted, spinning around and walking towards the exit, unwilling to see his reaction.

But then my heart skipped a beat when I heard him call my name.

"Mehek."

Slowly, I turned around, only to see him sitting back in his spot, his eyes fixed back on the laptop screen. His throat bobbed as he said, "You can talk to me, and I’ll try to talk back to you." His gaze met mine. "Though, I’m not good at this, but I’ll try my best."

A smile ghosted over my lips as I listened to him. I gave a small nod, about to say something when he spoke again.

"But don’t bug me with stupid questions and irritating me, alright?"

The weight of his words sank in, and I ended up grinding my teeth, leaving the room in frustration.