Let's meet again for the first time.
Her mother shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Who will marry you now, when people get to know you were left by Vikram?" Before I could even process what I was doing, the words left my mouth.
"I wil...
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AARAV'S POV
Something is wrong with Anika, I can sense it. She has been so silent since a few days, and that is so unlike her, I have tried asking her but it only angers her further, she shuts down more. It frustrates me to see her like this. I just want her to open up to me and let me help her. I loosen my tie, as I walk towards our room, tired from all the extra work I had to do because of my incompetent team, now that I have fired few employees, I will have to seek new ones and hardly anyone can impress me, I sigh in defeat. It's going to be a long day tomorrow too.
I open the door slowly so that I don't wake up Anika. We've been sleeping on the same bed these days and no matter how much she's trying to refuse me she still ends up in my arms somehow and I always feel her sneak out of bed so that I don't wake up and catch her in my arms, honestly it's the best feeling, cuddling with her is the highlight of my day always, I shake my head and smile. As I close the door behind me, I notice Anika sitting on the bed, lost in her thoughts, I follow her gaze, to a bouquet of flowers on the dressing table. I frown looking between her and the bouquet, It’s a beautiful arrangement, I notice a card on it, but it seems to be blank. I approach Anika cautiously, "Are these flowers for me?" I ask, trying to hide my smile, Anika's head snaps up at the sound of my voice, her eyes widening in surprise. She looks at me for a moment, as if she's been caught off guard.
"What? Oh, uhh-" She seems a bit flustered and unsure of what to say. She glances at the bouquet and then back at me, and I can see a hint of sadness in her eyes. "No, they're not for you," she finally replies, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Who are the flowers from then?” I ask, trying to keep my tone neutral. She glances up at me, her expression guarded. “It’s nothing,” she says, her voice flat. Her vauge response makes me wonder if there's more to these flowers than she's letting on. I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow.
"Who are the flowers from?" I repeat, my voice a little firmer this time. I'm not going to let this go. I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, but something about her demeanor tells me that these flowers aren’t from someone she likes. “Anika, please. Just tell me who sent them.” I request, "Or tell me what's bothering you."
Anika bites her lips, her eyebrows furrow as if she was in deep thought, then She stands up abruptly, her eyes flashing with irritation. “I told you, it’s nothing. Why do you care so much?” I'm taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor. From being nervous and avoiding the topic, she's now getting defensive.
“I care because you’re obviously upset, and I want to help. Why won’t you let me in?” I retort, my own irritation rising. Anika clenches her fists, her whole body radiating tension. “Because you can’t help with this, Aarav! This is something I have to deal with on my own.” I can feel my frustration boiling over. “But you don’t have to do it alone! I’m your husband, Anika.” I step closer to her, "and there's nothing I won't be able to do when it comes to you."
Anika takes a step back, putting distance between us. I can see her wall break, She shakes her head, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and something else—fear, maybe? “You wouldn’t understand.” “Try me,” I say, my voice softer now, pleading.
She bites her lip, looking torn. For a moment, I think she might actually open up, but then she shuts down again, her walls going back up. “Just drop it, Aarav. Please.” I feel a surge of anger and helplessness. “Fine. But I’m not going to let this go. I can tell these flowers aren’t making you happy. Who sent them, Anika?”
She turns away, refusing to meet my gaze. “It doesn’t matter.” Her evasiveness only fuels my determination. Whoever sent those flowers has clearly upset her, and I need to find out who it is. I step closer, my voice firm. “It matters to me. I will get to the bottom of this.”
Anika whirls around, her eyes blazing. “Why can’t you just leave it alone? Not everything is your business, Aarav!” I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “When it affects you, it is my business. You’re my wife, Anika. I can’t stand to see you like this.”
She stares at me for a long moment, her expression conflicted. Her expression soften a little, her eyes glisten with unshed tear, "Please Aarav. Please leave it be." I panic
A knot forms in my chest as I hear the pleading in her voice. Her usual stubbornness is nowhere to be seen, replaced by a vulnerability that is so unlike her. I want to press on, to make her talk, but I can see the toll it’s taking on her.
“Okay,” I say slowly. I reach out and gently touch her arm. “Okay, I won’t ask you again. But you have to promise me one thing.” Anika looks at me, her eyes searching my face. “What is it?” I take a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “Promise me you'll talk to me when you're ready."
She hesitates for a moment, her gaze flickering away. But then she nods. “I promise. I’ll tell you when I’m ready.” I study her face, trying to gauge her sincerity. Her expression is stoic, but her eyes betray a hint of resignation. I sigh, knowing I won’t be able to pry more from her tonight. I slowly wrap my arms around her waiting for her to push me away but she doesn't so I tighten my hold. And for the first time since our marriage, she finally hugs me back. She melts into my arms, her body sagging against mine as if all the strength has left her. I feel her arms circling around my waist, holding on tightly. The feel of her body pressed against mine is both familiar and foreign, a strange mix of comfort and excitement. I pull her closer, one hand sifting through her silky hair, the other resting on the small of her back. Her head fits perfectly in the crook of my shoulder, and I can feel her hot breath against my neck.
It's okay Anu, I am going to find out what's bothering you and when I do, I am going to finish it, because I don't like seeing you like this.
Author's note: Please vote and comment! What do you think is going to happen next?
