Unbinding Tradition

94. The storm within 😟

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The first rays of dawn crept through the sheer curtains, painting soft golden hues across the room. The air was filled with the rhythmic breathing of the three figures tangled in warmth-Jungkook, Tae, and their little Hyunnie, nestled safely between them.

Jungkook stirred first, his dark lashes fluttering open as the silence of the morning welcomed him. His gaze naturally fell upon his son, his tiny frame rising and falling with each breath.

The boy's chubby cheeks were squished against the pillow, his little fingers curled into Tae's silk robe. A soft sigh left Jungkook's lips as his heart swelled with a feeling he could never quite put into words.

Then, his gaze shifted to Tae.

His wife.

His Tae.

She lay facing Hyunnie, her dark lashes resting gently against her fair skin. Loose strands of hair framed her peaceful face, and her lips were slightly parted as she breathed evenly in deep slumber. The red sindoor in her hair parting was faintly smudged from the night before, and her mangalsutra peeked out from under her robe.

Jungkook's lips quirked up in the barest of smiles. She looked beautiful like this-calm, unguarded... his.

Leaning in, he pressed a soft peck on Hyunnie's plump cheek before turning to Tae, brushing a featherlight kiss against hers. She stirred slightly but didn't wake.

Carefully, Jungkook slipped out of the bed, adjusting the sheets around them before standing up. He ran a hand through his slightly disheveled hair, his bare chest rising and falling as he let out a quiet sigh. Clad in only a pair of loose cotton shorts, he padded toward the balcony, drawn to the cool morning air.

The sky was painted in soft pastels, a blend of lavender and gold stretching over the horizon. Jungkook rested his hands on the iron railing, his fingers curling around the cool metal as he inhaled deeply.

But peace was fleeting these days.

His mind was a battlefield-filled with tension, worry, and unspoken burdens. The school project weighed heavily on his shoulders.

The land, once home to Jeon Haveli, now stood as a silent warzone, caught between the promise of progress and the resistance of power-hungry men. The sarpanch and other influential figures had made their threats clear-back down, or face the consequences.

And as much as he wanted to brush them off, he couldn't.

Not when his family was involved.

A sudden urge tugged at him-something to dull the edges of his thoughts, even if just for a moment. Jungkook reached into his pocket, pulling out a cigarette. He held it between his fingers, staring at it for a long second before bringing it to his lips.

But before he could light it, a familiar warmth pressed against his back.

Soft arms wrapped around his waist from behind, and he felt the gentle weight of Tae's body resting against him. Her cheek pressed against his bare skin, and her arms tightened around him slightly, as if sensing his unrest.

Jungkook sighed.

Jk- You're awake.

Tae hummed in response, her voice still laced with sleep.

Tae- You left the bed. (she murmured) I felt cold.

Jungkook felt something stir in his chest-something dangerously close to tenderness. He placed the cigarette back into his pocket and covered her hands with his own.