Unbinding Tradition

98. New Collector 😟

Everyone please comment a lot!!!

I know it's getting angsty but few more chapters to go. After that fun and entertaining chapters would be back.

The golden hues of dawn seeped through the sheer curtains of their bedroom, casting soft shadows on the floor. Jungkook stood before the mirror, buttoning up his shirt. His movements were slower than usual, the weight of reality pressing against his shoulders. No longer the District Collector, no longer the man people bowed before-today, he would walk into his office as just another government employee.

He exhaled deeply, adjusting his tie with an almost mechanical precision.

Behind him, the door creaked open, and the soft tinkling of bangles filled the air. Tae entered, carrying the divine fragrance of sandalwood and marigolds from her morning pooja. A faint glow from the diya still lingered on her hands, and as she walked toward him, her anklets chimed softly, grounding the space with warmth.

Jungkook caught her reflection in the mirror.

How does she do it?

How does she smile so effortlessly when everything around them seems uncertain?

How does she carry such unwavering faith, even when their future remains unclear?

Tae stepped closer, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile as she reached for his tie.

Tae- Let me. (she murmured, standing on her toes to adjust it)

Her fingers worked with delicate precision, fixing the knot, smoothing out the fabric.

Jungkook simply watched her, his mind still struggling to understand her boundless optimism.

When she was satisfied with the tie, she smoothed her hands down his shoulders, meeting his gaze.

Tae- Everything will be alright, Sa. (she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek)

Jungkook's heart clenched.

He wanted to believe her. He wanted to soak in the warmth of her words, let them shield him from the nagging voice in his head that whispered What if things don't get better? What if you fail?

But instead of replying, he merely smiled sadly.

Tae turned to leave, but before she could take a step, Jungkook reached out, his fingers curling gently around her wrist.

She turned back, surprised.

For a moment, he didn't speak. His throat felt tight, hesitation weighing heavy in his chest. But then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he said,

Jk- Take care of yourself.

Tae's eyes softened.

He swallowed, his gaze lowering slightly before he finally found the courage to say the words he had been holding back since last night.

Jk- And our baby too.

Tae inhaled sharply. Her lips parted slightly, a wave of emotions washing over her. Her eyes turned glossy, the faintest shimmer of tears pooling at the edges.

But she smiled.

A soft, radiant smile-one that held reassurance, love, and a quiet promise that everything truly would be okay.

Jungkook hesitated for a moment before lowering himself onto one knee, his hands carefully reaching for the fabric of her saree.

Tae stood still, her breath hitching as Jungkook leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her stomach.