Transcendent Love (Sequel: A Namesake Couple)

Healing Each Other

Adhya POV

The doorbell rang just past noon.

Adhya wasn't expecting anyone.

Jade was out, Jaideep at work. She moved slowly, one hand supporting her belly as she walked to the door.

Sarin stood outside.

For a moment, relief flickered across his face when he saw her—then it faded into concern.

"May I come in?" he asked gently.

She stepped aside. "Of course, Sir."

They sat across from each other in the living room. Sarin's eyes drifted to her belly, softening. "Seven months," he said quietly. "Time moves fast."

"Too fast," she replied.

Silence stretched. Heavy. Uncomfortable.

Then she asked the question that had been burning inside her for three days.

"Why hasn't he come?"

Sarin looked up sharply.

"Advitya," she clarified, her voice controlled but tight. "He hasn't visited. Not morning. Not night. Three days."

Her jaw tightened. "So this is it? He's finally... given up?"

Sarin's expression changed immediately.

"No," he said firmly. "Adhya, no."

She laughed without humor. "Everyone leaves eventually."

Sarin leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "He didn't come because he physically couldn't."

Her breath caught.

"What do you mean?"

"He's had a high-grade fever for days," Sarin said softly. "Refused to rest. Kept working. Barely eating."

Adhya's heart dropped.

"He collapsed at the office," Sarin continued. "We forced him to go home."

She stared at him. "Why didn't he tell me?"

Sarin sighed. "Because he didn't want to worry you. Because even now, he's more concerned about you than himself."

Her eyes burned.

"He's overworking to forget," Sarin added carefully. "To survive the grief. Some people run. Some people numb themselves with work."

Adhya pressed her lips together, guilt flooding her chest.

"I thought..." Her voice faltered. "I thought he'd stopped trying."

Sarin shook his head slowly. "Adhya, that man hasn't stopped trying for a single second. He just doesn't know how to heal when you won't let him near."

Tears welled up before she could stop them.

"I've been cruel," she whispered.

"You've been grieving," Sarin corrected gently. "Don't punish yourself for that."

She wiped her face quickly, anger now directed inward.

"He never takes care of himself," she said, frustration breaking through the guilt. "Never has."

Sarin gave a sad smile. "Because his instinct is to protect, not preserve."

She stood abruptly. "I need to see him."

Sarin rose too, surprised but pleased. "I'll take you."

Adhya shook her head. "No. I'll go."

She placed her hand over her belly, determination settling in her eyes.