The Unexpected

28. The Apology and The Bet

Day 23402 of reminding you all that I am a human and not a chapter update machine.

And also it's so nice that you guys are just simply unable to click the follow button on Wattpad 😍, but ofc updates sabko chahiye 🥰👌🏻.
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I finally move my clothes aside and sink into the hot tub, letting the warm water soothe my aching body. The cramps are relentless, but for now, I allow myself to relax. I close my eyes and exhale slowly, my mind drifting to Saransh. I don't know what's going on with him. One moment, he's accusing me, throwing sharp words like daggers, and the next, he's making up for it by being overly sweet. It's exhausting, trying to figure him out.

Yesterday, when I woke up, there was a bouquet of roses on my nightstand. Beautiful, deep red roses. My heart swelled at the sight—I love flowers. I love roses. I'm just a girl, after all. But I couldn't let Saransh know that. I couldn't accept them. So I tossed them in the dustbin.

Well... most of them.

Before throwing them away, I plucked a single rose from the bunch and tucked it inside one of my books, pressing it between the pages like a secret I wasn't ready to share.

And then again last night, he brought me another bouquet, that to without any roses. I refused it outright, telling him I didn't like flowers. It wasn't true, but I said it anyway. Yet somehow, as he turned away, I found myself sneaking another flower from the bunch and slipping it into a different book.

Then there were the night suits. That was thoughtful—almost too thoughtful. The soft fabric, the delicate touch of comfort when I needed it most... I should have refused, but I couldn't. Not this time.

Now, stepping out of the bath, I dry myself off and slip into one of the silk night suits—small shorts and a loose top. The fabric is cool against my skin, soft and indulgent. I feel better. Just a little. No one's home, everyone's gone out for work, Raj and Rudra to their college. Maa saa as well goes to her NGOs three-four days a week so I am left alone. I can't wait for my college to start next week, at least then I wouldn't get so bored by myself.

I walk out of the closet, towel-drying my damp hair, and reach for my phone to check messages from Rhea and Anay on our group chat. But before I can open it, I hear sudden footsteps.

I freeze.

No servant ever disturbs me at this hour. And there's no one else at home.

So who could it be?

My heartbeat stutters. The sound of approaching footsteps grows louder, and before I can turn around, a hand lands on my shoulder.

Cold panic grips me. My body reacts before my mind can process—I scream at the top of my lungs, "Mummyyy!" and jump in place, my heart pounding.

Spinning around, my breath caught in my throat, I clutch my chest... and my eyes land on Saransh.

He stares at me, utterly confused.