Being Your Second Wife

20

"Bhabhi, would you like to sit in the front?" Amar asked casually.

Kaya instinctively glanced at Shiv — only to find him already looking at her. His expression was
unreadable, calm as ever, but she could've sworn there was a flicker of amusement on his lips. Or was it just her imagination?

"No, it's okay, Bhaiya. I'm fine in the back," she replied a little too quickly, avoiding Shiv's gaze entirely.

"Arey Bhabhi, come in the front na. I'm feeling kind of sleepy. Ansh is already sleeping — I'll get some rest too," Amar said, stretching with a yawn.

They had covered half the journey to Pushkar. Shiv had been driving most of the way, and there were still about three hours left on the road.

"Oh... okay. Sure, I'll come," Kaya agreed hesitantly.

As they left the small roadside tea stall where they had paused for a break, she thought she heard Shiv chuckle behind her. But when she turned to look, he wore an innocent expression, raising an eyebrow as if to ask What?. Ignoring the flutter in her chest, she moved forward and slid into the passenger seat next to him.

Just before she settled, Shiv caught her hand gently.
"Wait," he said softly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.
"Don't rush away from me so fast. Let me close the door for you."

She looked up, surprised by the quiet demand in his voice.
"I'm not rushing," she whispered.

He smiled, almost possessive, the corner of his lips twitching.
"But you're trying to keep a distance, aren't you? You don't have to."

Her heart fluttered in a way she didn't want to admit.
"I just—"

Shiv's gaze softened.
"Just what?"

She hesitated, then shook her head.
"Nothing."

He squeezed her hand once before letting go, closing the door with a soft click. Amar and Ansh quickly settled in the back — Ansh still asleep, Amar already leaning back with his eyes closed.

"Okay, Bhaiya and Bhabhi... I'm going to sleep for a while. Don't disturb me — I'm completely tired. You two can talk all lovey dovey if you want... which I seriously think you both should," Amar mumbled without opening his eyes.

Shiv chuckled, his eyes flickering toward Kaya.
"Rest all you want, but not too much. You're driving next."

"Sure..." Amar mumbled again, already half-dreaming.

Shiv started the engine and turned slightly toward Kaya, his voice dropping to a soft, teasing whisper.
"All set?"

Kaya blinked, caught off guard.
"Huh?"

"I mean... comfortable? Ready to go?"

She nodded, her voice barely a whisper. Shiv's smile deepened as he pulled the car back onto the highway, the faint warmth of their brief touch lingering between them.

Kaya leaned her head against the window, trying to steady the chaos inside her chest. Shiv hadn't said anything out of the ordinary, hadn't brought up that question again. It had been days — week even — since he'd asked. And yet, every time she was near him, her heart refused to calm down.

Not once had he pressured her for an answer. Not even a hint, not a word. But the way he looked at her — always with that same calm patience — it made her feel as though he was still waiting. Silently. Intently.

Almost without realizing it, she touched her forehead, as if trying to physically push the thoughts away.

He hadn't tried to come close again either. No more long talks, no stolen glances when no one was looking. And she couldn't decide if that distance brought her relief or regret. A part of her missed it — missed him. But the rest? The rest wasn't ready.