Fated To Love You

Chapter 72

Finally, his mother waved her hand dismissively, a mix of authority and affection in her gesture. "Bas, theek hai. Khana lag gaya. Haath neeche kar le ab... aur yaad rakhiyo, next time aaisa kuch kiya na to college mein aakar sabke samnein dant lagayunggi."

Sumedh immediately dropped his arms with an exaggerated groan of relief, rubbing his sore shoulders with dramatic flair. "Ji Aai, jo hukum aapka. Bas ek kaam karna, apni bahu se bol dena ki koi galti na kare, warna mujhe hi bhugatna padta hai."

His mother narrowed her eyes at him, but the corners of her lips twitched with a faint smile. "Vo waise hi koi galti nahi karti. Tu hi use dantnein ke bahane dhundta hoga," she replied, her tone teasing yet protective.

"Kuch bhi," Sumedh muttered with mock irritation, rolling his eyes as he shrugged off his bag and placed it on the sofa. Without saying much else, he quickly headed to wash his hands, eager to let the dinner distract him from the events of the evening.

As they all sat at the table, Himani silently placed a plate in front of him, her movements hesitant. Their eyes met briefly—her gaze filled with guilt and unease—but Sumedh chose to look away, pretending not to notice. His usual playful demeanor was absent, replaced by an almost mechanical focus on eating. He chewed quietly, occasionally stretching his sore arms with small grimaces, but he said nothing.

The air was thick with unspoken tension, though his mother tried to diffuse it with light conversation. Himani kept glancing at Sumedh, her fingers fidgeting with the corner of her dupatta. Sumedh, however, avoided meeting her eyes altogether, concentrating instead on finishing his food quickly.

When the meal was over, he quietly stood up, gathering his plate and setting it near the sink before walking back to the living room. He slung his bag over his shoulder and headed to his room without a word. Tossing his bag into a corner, he yawned while massaging his arms.

As soon as Himani noticed Sumedh leaving, she abandoned her chores and rushed after him. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him from behind, pulling him into a tight hug. He stiffened for a moment, startled by the sudden gesture, before his body relaxed slightly.

"I'm sorry," Himani murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. "Mujhe nahi pata tha ki Aai aise punish kar dengi. Aap thake huwe the... phir bhi... I am so sorry. Aur... sorry, mujhe thodi si hasi aa gayi thi. Main aap par nahi hans rahi thi... vo to aap dono bahut cute lag rahe the." She tried to explain, her words coming out in a rush as her grip on him tightened.

Sumedh sighed deeply, his shoulders sinking. "Kal college mat aana if you're not prepared for the test," he said flatly, his voice calm but firm as he placed a hand over hers. He wasn't ready to address her apology, his tone carrying an air of distant professionalism.

She shook her head quickly, her face brushing against his back. "I'm prepared," she whispered, her voice slightly muffled and accompanied by a sniffle.

He turned his head slightly, his gaze still fixed ahead. "Are you sure? Agar kal answer na kar payi, to class mein kuch nahi kar paunga, aur na hi ghar par," he said, his words matter-of-fact. A small smirk tugged at his lips as he added, "And... obviously, main bhi phir pitunga."

Himani managed a soft chuckle through her sniffles. "I'm sure... ab main theek se padhai kar rahi hoon," she said, her voice steadier. "Therapy sessions ne kaafi help kiya."

Sumedh rubbed his temples tiredly, letting out a soft sigh. "Theek hai... main fresh hokar aata hoon," he muttered, his voice heavy with fatigue.

Himani sniffled, her hands nervously fidgeting. "Aap gussa ho kya? Sorry, maine kaha tha na ki mujhe nahi kehna tha ki aapne punish kiya hai... khamakha main mil gayi aapko punish," she said, her voice quivering as fresh guilt washed over her.