Fated To Love You

Chapter 97

Sumedh reached home at his usual time and rang the doorbell.

Himani opened the door but didn't meet his eyes. Instead, she lowered her lashes immediately and stepped aside, letting him in without a word.

Sumedh paused for a moment, his gaze falling on her face. His eyes narrowed as he noticed the faint marks on her cheeks—evidence of the punishment she had received in class. A flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes, but he didn't say anything. Without a word, he stepped inside and walked directly to the room.

Himani exhaled softly once he was gone, her fingers unconsciously brushing against her cheek for a brief second before she shook her head and went to the kitchen. She quickly prepared tea and light snacks for him, her movements slightly slower than usual as her mind lingered on the events of the day.

After arranging everything on a tray, she took a deep breath, steadied herself, and walked to the room. Reaching the door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking softly. When she didn't hear a response, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Sumedh had already freshened up and was seated on the chair, flipping through some documents, his face blank and unreadable.

Himani silently placed the tray on the table, stealing a glance at him. Her fingers curled slightly as she hesitated, unsure whether to say something or simply leave. The air between them felt heavy—unspoken words lingering in the silence.

Sumedh glanced up briefly as Himani placed the tray on the table, but he didn't say anything. His eyes flickered to her face again for the shortest moment before he shifted his attention back to his work.

Himani bit her lip, hesitating for a second before speaking softly, "Aapki chai." Her voice lacked its usual warmth, laced instead with a quiet hesitation.

"Hmm," Sumedh murmured, picking up the cup and taking a sip. The warmth of the tea seeped into his fingers, but his expression remained unreadable. "Much needed," he finally said, but his tone was neither appreciative nor dismissive—it was neutral, as if his mind was somewhere else.

Without looking at her, he spoke, his tone calm but firm. "Aaj at least homework finish kiya?"

Himani lowered her lashes and shook her head in a small, hesitant no.

Sumedh let out a slow exhale, setting his cup down with a soft thud. "Kyu? Aaj ki punishment kam thi? Kal phir chahiye?" His voice was laced with irritation, though it wasn't as sharp as it would have been in class.

Something inside Himani snapped. Whether it was the exhaustion, the frustration, or the unpredictable waves of pregnancy hormones, she didn't know—but the words left her mouth before she could stop them.

"Haan, chahiye!" she suddenly shouted, her voice trembling with unfiltered emotions. "Class mein bhi chahiye... ghar par bhi chahiye... har jagah sirf punishment hi chahiye mujhe, hai na?"

Sumedh's eyes widened in shock, completely taken aback. "Himani?" His voice softened slightly, as if trying to understand what had just happened. "What is this behavior?"

Himani let out a frustrated breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Aap decide kar lo na... aapko teacher banna hai ya husband?" Her voice cracked with the weight of her emotions.

Sumedh blinked, still too stunned to say anything.

"Class mein to teacher hote hi ho... par ghar pe bhi ya to kaam karte rehte ho ya bas 'Homework kiya? Padhai kari? Ye kiya? Wo kiya?'" She mimicked his tone mockingly, her voice filled with frustration. "Aur baki sabke husbands dekho! Pregnancy mein itna pamper karte hain apni wives ko... aur ek mere husband ko dekho... bas mauka chahiye punishment ka!"