Married But...

Chapter 22

I stood staring at him unable to decide what to say. His body was burning with fever, he looked miserable. A mixture of worry and anger grew in me.

I leaned forward to him and He immediately looked at me.

"Let's go to a doctor," I said controlling my emotions.

"No need Anu." He said slowly getting up with the help of his elbow.

I narrowed my eyes.

"I visited the doctor while coming back home. The medicine and prescription are there" he said pointing towards the table on his right side.

I looked in the direction of the table and back to him.

"If you don't believe me take a look at it," he said resting his back on the bed again.

I sighed.

"You told me that you were alright in the afternoon," I spoke softly. Suppressing my anger.

He took a sigh "well, I thought I was"

I glared at him unable to understand what to say.

He opened his eyes to look at me and gave me a smile. He wasn't feeling well. He didn't even have enough energy to talk. It was clearly written on his face. My heart ached seeing him like that.

"Do you want anything?" I asked. I almost sounded like I was crying.

His eyes got widened instantly. He looked confused.

When my vision got blurred with tears then I realized that I was actually crying. I immediately turned back to leave the room as soon as possible.

I stopped when Anand took hold of my wrist and unknowingly I turned to him.

"Anu." He called softly. His voice was low and weak.

That made me feel worse.

"Anu. Look at me"

I didn't want to look at him, not when I was crying. But seeing his condition I didn't want to trouble him.

I looked at him with my teary eyes.

"You are crying". He said. It sounded like he was telling it to himself.

I shook my head.

"why" his voice was so low that it was hard to hear.

"I-I am just -" I tried my best to stop my tears.

"Worried?" He guessed.

I nodded.

"You don't have to. Trust me, I will be fine by tomorrow" he said releasing my hand and laying on the bed.

I sighed.

"Anu"

"Hmm"

"Please don't say this to mom. She will be worried unnecessarily" he said shifting on the bed.

"Okay," I agreed.

I watched him as he was sleeping and wondered what he was hiding. I silently promised myself that I will try my best to understand him.

In this short time, I understood how responsible he is. His first priority is his family and sometimes he gets worried about his parent's health and all.

I tried to low down his body temperature by wiping his forehead and hands with a wet towel. Because he was sleeping I didn't have any trouble doing that. If he wasn't asleep he would say that he is fine.... I don't need to worry... etc etc..

At night when I woke him up for the dinner, he had silently ate and took the medicine without a word. I was surprised that he didn't bother to argue with me.

"Seriously? Are you that sick?" I asked with widening my eyes.

He looked at me. And that look explained it all. His eyes were red and heavy, his face looked so tired as if he did not sleep for a week.

He managed a smile.

"Have some rest" I said.

He just looked at me, giving a smile. It seemed like he didn't even have the strength to smile. He was even struggling a bit to sit and listen to me. And seeing the smile he was managing even in that condition it felt like something broke in my chest and I was fighting my tears.

Unknowingly I caught his hand in mine "you will be fine" I assured him biting my lips.

He smiled even more and somehow managed to lean forward and kiss my forehead.

When his soft and hot lips touched my skin I froze there for a few seconds and the next thing I remember was him going back to bed.

At night just after I fell asleep Anand shook my shoulder gently trying to wake me up.

I woke up rubbing my eyes.

"Anu don't mind. Can u sleep on the couch just for today"

I gave him a confused look.

Why does he want me to sleep on the couch that too when he is not feeling well?

"Because u might fell sick too. " he said "if you stay close to me," he said pressing his lips together, forming a straight line.

"And what if you need something?" I said, " you know that you are not in a position to get things yourself right?" I said laying back on the bed.

"God! Why don't you listen to me?" he said slapping his forehead in irritation

I know he is concerned about me but I don't want to stay away from him. Not when he was in condition like that. Not even a second.

I closed my eyes wishing to end this conversation.

"Wow! Now you are ignoring me" he said.

"I guess the medicines are working well. You got strength in your voice...." I joked trying to divert his mind.

He immediately clasped my arm forcing me to get up.

"And the body," I added.

"Anu... I don't understand. You never listen to me. "

I remained silent.

"I'm your husband," he said loudly it almost sounded like he was yelling.

"Oh, I almost forgot that," I said placing a finger on my chin.

He sighed "you are mad"

As much as I wished to end this conversation I also wanted him to talk. Just to hear his voice that has a soothing effect on me.

"Am I?" I asked, acting innocent.

"I give up," he said closing his eyes.

"Thank God!" I said and bite my tongue.

He shot me a look mixed with irritation and anger.