Falling in love

Chapter 14

Dev was still sleeping as Pooja woke up early, she let him sleep. Pooja took her shower got ready and went to check on Dadi and Maa. As usual they were having their morning tea chit chatting Pooja came and joined them. Dadi and Maa noticed Pooja was looking happy she was glowing. Seeing her in such mood made them happy.
P:: Maa can we have Dev's favorite food for lunch?
Nandini:: ofcourse beta we can definitely do that, I'll call the kitchen and let them know.
Dadi:: what's the occasion?
P:: no occasion Dadi, it's just that Dev has been so busy and stressed out ever since.... I mean everyone has been focusing on me but no one noticed that he was going through the same trauma that I was, everyone was taking care of me including Dev himself without complaining, so I just thought we need to take care of him too.
Dadi:: Pooja I'm so proud of you, you are right we didn't realize he was in pain too.
Nandini:: thank you beta, I don't think we could ever find anyone better than you for Dev
P:: and I don't think I could find anyone better than Dev
Dadi:: and me?
P:: ofcourse Dadi there's no one like you.
Dadi:: bahu tomorrow will be my favorite for the whole day okay?
They just laughed
Nandini:: so what's the plan for today? Are we doing anything?
Dadi:: plan? Bahu it's Sunday and it's funday do whatever you want
P:: no plans today, will ask Dev if he has anything on mind.
Nandini:: oh yea me and dadi are going to see PARI later in the evening for few minutes. Need to give the new parents some space and time so don't want to be on their head all the time.
Dev's room
He woke up and didn't see his wife next to him, that didn't make him happy. He took his phone and called Pooja but the phone was ringing in the room coz she forgot her phone.
D:: oh god why this girl keeps forgetting her phone everytime? Ok let me call dadi
Dev called dadi
D:: good morning dadi
Dadi:: good morning mere laal... what's up how come you are calling me early morning?
D:: dadi is Pooja with you?
Dadi:: oh now I understand why you called. Yes she is here. Why?
D:: I woke up and I didn't see her that's why.
Dadi:: then you also come here
D:: dadi I just woke up
Dadi:: okay then stay there alone we are talking here she can't go now.
D:: ok bye
Dev found his shorts and put them on and headed straight to see his wife
Dadi:: Dev what you doing here naked
D:: seriously Dadi I have my shorts on
Nandini:: did you just wake up and come here you don't even have your slippers on.
Dev is not bothered with the ladies asking questions he just wants to romance his wife now he wants his wife to baby him today. He pecked his wife's lips
D:: good morning sunshine!! Don't come out of the room till I wake up (he said it like a little kid)
Dadi:: why can't she come out Bhai?
D:: Coz I want to wake up and see my wife's beautiful face.
Dadi:: why can't you see our face?
D:: I grew up seeing your face now I want to grow old seeing her face
Dadi:: bahu dekho he is just like his dada I'm so proud of him
Nandini:: I'm sure then Vijay is like you Coz he definitely is not like papaji
Dev and Pooja laughed at that
Dev lay on the couch where Pooja was sitting and put his head on her lap facing her belly, almost digging his face there. Taking her hand and putting it on his head so that she can run her fingers through his hair.
Dadi:: Dev you came out of your room to sleep here again? I thought you were coming to spend time with us and now you are showing your back.
D:: dadi why you always so jealous of my sleep?
P:: it's ok dadi he didn't sleep well
Dadi:: why he didn't sleep well what were you doing at night?
D:: Hahahha dadi I was doing husband's duty
Dadi:: oh shut up you shameless boy!! Bahu look this is what you taught your kid
Nandini:: but Maa you just said he is just like Papaji.
As mommyji and dadiji is having their cat fight the love birds are having their own conversation
D:: why did you leave me alone?
P:: I'm sorry!! You were sleeping
D:: don't leave me like this and atleast remember to bring your phone.
P:: I'm sorry bubu!!
D:: I'm so hungry and I needed some mi...
Pooja put her hand on his mouth
P:: I'll get you breakfast and no you didn't need that early in the morning
D:: stop being mean to me (he said it loud enough for dadi and Maa to hear)
Nandini:: Dev what's wrong ?
D:: maaaaaa!!! I told her I'm hungry and she won't even bring me food in the room
Pooja was shocked 😳
P:: what? When did I say that?
D:: you just said it now. You said I don't need.....
Dadi:: Dev beta if you keep talking to her belly then you will get such answers. Go wash up and she'll bring you breakfast even she didn't eat anything coz she wanted to eat with you
D:: poojaaaa!! Why babu why don't you eat?
P:: I don't get to eat everyday in the morning atleast on weekends I want to eat with you
D:: ok let me wash up. Are you going to make the coffee yourself?
P:: yes baby I'll make it myself
D:: thanks sweets (he gives her a big fat kiss)
Dadi:: Dev get a room boy!!
D:: dadi why you getting so jealous come I'll kiss you too
Dadi:: chiiiii!! You didn't even brush your teeth
Dev still goes kisses Dadi's cheek, Dadi gives him a tight hug
Dadi:: mera bachcha.. stay happy like this
He then kisses his mom's forehead and goes to his room.
Pooja called the kitchen and asked them to prepare breakfast and bring it to the room but she'll make coffee.
Pooja spends some more time with Dadi and Maa she tells them that they are conpleting 6 months so she is thinking of a surprise dinner for Dev, just family that's it. They were excited about it because it's been a while they didn't do something nice in the house and it will be a change too.
Pooja goes to the room with Dev's coffee and  he is still in the bathroom and ofcourse he didn't take his clothes out so she picked out clothes for him. When Dev came out he saw his wife making the bed and his clothes were out.
P:: hey sweetie got your coffee and your clothes are out.
Dev came and hugged Pooja from behind
P:: Dev you got me all wet
D:: really I got you all wet?
P:: noooo you know what I mean
D:: but I don't mind getting you wet (he says it with a naughty smile)
P:: ok drink your coffee it's getting cold
D:: mmmm but I need something else that gives me energy
P:: okay you can get that later but now get your energy from coffee
Dev turns her around and he is about to kiss her and there's a knock on the door. Their breakfast is here and they had their breakfast, Pooja noticed Dev has not been eating too well nowadays.
P:: what's wrong Dev you didn't even eat properly, you didn't even  finish your omelette, common eat properly
D:: nooooooo I don't want!!
P:: Dev!!😠😠 Common open your mouth I'll feed you
D:: you don't give up! Don't you?
P:: common babu eat please, you lost weight
D:: okay mommy!!🙂🙂
Knock on the door
D:: who is knocking now?
He opened the door and ofcourse its Mark and Jazz
D:: what you guys doing here
Jazz:: bro you might've forgotten us but Pooja Bhabi didn't forget us. She called us for a game day.
D:: what? Really? Oh my God it's been forever.
Mark:: Babi is on my side and Jazz you are Dev's partner
D:: oh no Mark noway Pooja is a great player and Jazz will definitely make me loose
Mark:: oh yea that's the plan
P:: alright guys get your things ready let me get some snacks ready
D:: Pooja are we going to have a dry day today?
P:: no we won't but not before lunch
Mark:: oh man why?
P:: because it's too early
Sunday was definitely funday after a long time things are getting normal. Later in the day the boys played basketball and the whole family hung out played some games enjoyed some drinks.
Later at night they are all tired after a fun day. They even went and checked on PARI for few minutes.
25thAugust
Dev came back from work around 6:30 he was wondering why his dad left early and didn't even tell him, even Mark wasn't in the office. He came in but there was no one in the house even Pooja was not in the room. He is wondering where is everyone and why no one is home. He tried calling Pooja but she didn't answer
Dev's phone rang it was his dad calling
Vijay:: hello Dev are you home?
D:: yes dad I just came but how come no one's home. I called Pooja's office they said she left early
Vijay:: oh may be she went to her parents. Anyway can you come to the backyard I need to discuss something very important about that new project. It seems there are some issues with the quotations
D:: what? I just fixed everything yesterday
Vijay:: I don't know there's some serious issue just come here I'm outside it's important.
D:: yes dad I'm coming
Dev is thinking what can go wrong with the quotation as he really worked hard on it and nothing can go wrong, it's an important project.
The moment he opened the backyard door everyone together SURPRISE!!!!
D:: what?!!
Everyone::: Happy 6 month Anniversary!!!
P:: We made it half way Hubby!! Happy 6months!!
D:: oh God!! (He kissed her and hugged her)
Vijay:: you guys have to agree I'm a good actor
D:: noway dad!! Somebody pls deduct $50 from dad he did over acting
So everyone wished them..
Nandini:: Dev why don't you wash up and come back
Poonam:: Pooja why don't you go with Dev and get his clothes out
Coming to their room
Dev:: I love you Pooja
P:: I love you too
He tightly hugged her
D:: I had no clue life will become so beautiful once I get married. You make me feel so special you do everything to make me happy. Thank you baby thank you...
They had a passionate kiss after that Dev got changed and went out to celebrate with everyone.
Pooja organized everything in the backyard, it was only close family members, some light music good food some dancing. Atlast Dev decided to give a toast.
D:: hello everyone!! First of all thank you for coming and giving us so much love this means a lot. Ofcourse without you I don't think me and Pooja can survive, each and everyone of you have a special place in our heart I don't think life would be same without even one person here. So I want to thank all of you for being our support system and loving us.
And now I just want to say few things for Pooja who happens to be someone's daughter someone's daughter in law or sister or niece, but for me she is not only my wife she is not only my better half but she is my soul.
I have a loving family I think the best parents, best sister best Dadi and not to forget my best friends who are my brothers from other mothers. Life was perfect but I had no clue life could be better than perfect till Pooja came into my life. Infact it's actually 7 months I know Pooja but it feels like I've known her forever. I never thought that a girl who I hardly knew could understand me so well. She covers up my flaws, takes care of me, understands me and my needs. She never complains when I'm busy and I stay up late night working on some project. It's not that she is not busy, we all know she works and infact she has taken up responsibilities of Papa's new hotel. Am I right Papa?
Randeep:: yes that's right!!
D:: see!! She is working on something big but every morning when I wake up I find my clothes ready, I get special coffee made by her even though I can get it just calling the kitchen ppl but she knows I like what she makes. She spends time with my family takes care of everyone, remembers everyone's birthday anniversary or even the smallest thing. I don't know how she manages to fit in everything in 24 hours because I can't do all that in one day. May be it's a special thing women can do I guess.
Recently we lost our baby and I felt my life will collapse, but everyday when I saw Pooja putting up a smile just to make me smile kept me going
Pooja 6months back I told you I love you may be I won't die for you but today I want to tell you I love you and I love you a lot and Pooja life without you would be nothing less than death. I don't think I can survive without you. I know sometimes I can be moody, I can be difficult and stubborn and you have to baby me around and she even gets yelled at by everyone that she shouldn't cater to all my needs and she is spoiling me rotten as I feel everyone should listen to me all the time because I got so used to being pampered by my wife. I'm still waiting for the day when my wife will fight with me for not giving her enough time and being difficult and go to her parents house and then I'll go to her house to beg her to forgive me and come back home.
(All this time Pooja kept saying no it's not true she had happy tears rolling down her cheeks)
D:: anyway I know I've taken a lot of time so at the end I just want to say Pooja thank you not only for today but for everyday and yes I'm not so cool like you and I can't even think of such great ideas to surprise you but you know what baby I actually didn't forget that today we completed 6 months (he takes out a box out of his pocket) I bought this few days back and thought I'll take you for a dinner date and give you this Coz I didn't know of anything better (everyone went awww) so Pooja would you accept my simple gift? (Pooja nods as she is crying) I love you sunshine! (He makes her wear the ring and smooches her)
Dadi:: get a room my boy!!!
Everyone laughs at that!!
P:: okay okay everyone I just want to say something as my husband said so many beautiful things about me and said he is difficult and what not, you all know him and you all know that he needs to get the best husband's award and don't believe in anything he said about himself and yes thank you everyone for coming and blessing us, showering us with so much love, as Dev said without you all we are nothing. We love you all!!
After 2 months
Life has become very hectic, Dev for the first time handling a deal without his dad's help and pharmaceutical is not easy and for a 28 year old to handle so much is a lot. He hardly has time for anyone or anything. Pooja has been very busy herself with the new hotel but as Dev said she still manages to do everything somehow. In last two months Dev has been stressed out, he's been cranky.
Pooja's life has become pretty monotonous, doing the same thing everyday but the only difference is Dev has started being little different, he got so used to this life style that may be he took it granted.
It was Thursday night
Dev:: Pooja did you pack my bag?
P:: pack your bag? For what?
D:: for what meaning? Didn't I tell you I need to go to California for two days?
P:: no you didn't tell me anything
D:: okay never mind I'll pack my bag myself
P:: Dev it's not about packing your bag. I can do it but you didn't tell me
D:: okay fine I didn't tell you. I don't know why you getting so upset?
P:: excuse me? I'm not getting upset but I think I have the right to know when and where my husband is going?
D:: what do you mean? Do I ask you where you going? You don't trust me?
P:: Dev what are you saying? I didn't mean anything like that. But I just need to know for your safety.
D:: have I not been traveling alone
P:: Dev I can't understand why you are taking everything in a different way.
D:: okay fine I'm going to California in the morning I will leave home at 7 am okay happy now?
P:: Dev what's wrong sweetie?
D:: what do you mean what's wrong? What have I done now? Ofcourse it's me who does something always
P:: Dev!!!!
D:: okay sorry Happy now!!
Dev just goes to bed and falls asleep but that night Pooja couldn't sleep. As usual in the morning she got everything ready, she felt may be he is stressed out.
She got his breakfast ready and went to wake him up, she sat next to him
P:: Dev wake up sweetie, good morning bubu
D:: what's the time?
P: it's 6 o'clock
Dev just gets up and goes to the bathroom he didn't even bother saying anything else. When he came out Pooja still thought of having a conversation.
P:: you know I'm thinking we should go on a vacation for thanksgiving
She got no reply, but still she tried.
P:: you didn't tell me why you are going to California?
D:: you never asked
P:: really? (Little surprised but still thought of asking)Okay fine now you can tell me.
D:: it's about numbers you won't understand
P:: try me, may be I can help.
D:: Pooja it's not hotels or food, anyway why are we even discussing all this.
P:: what do you mean by it's not hotels or food?
D:: Pooja plsssss now I don't know why are you acting like a kid and arguing about everything. Listen I'm stressed and I don't have time for a nagging wife.
Pooja is shocked with his behavior, she ignored few other instances that happened in last two weeks, infact Dev's mom was upset with him for his behavior towards Pooja but instead of being angry she told Maa that he must be stressed.
P:: I was thinking of going to my mom's for few days
D:: when did I stop you? I don't ask you where you going or stop you do I?
P:: I don't know why am I even trying to talk
D:: ok then don't talk.
Dev just left even without saying bye to Pooja, she just didn't understand what happened. It's way too shocking for her to see Dev like this. She was hurt because she has been trying to do everything to keep him happy. If something was bothering him he could easily share with her rather than being like this.
Later that day Nandini and Dadi saw Pooja not being herself, they asked her what happened and she just couldn't keep it to herself and told them how Dev was behaving with her and ofcourse even they noticed his behavior towards her was very rude.
Nandini was very upset with Dev she wanted to call him and put him in his place but Pooja stopped her. She didn't want Dev to feel that she was trying to play victim in front of his family and plus he is stressed out so it's better to give him some time. After sometime Vijay came for breakfast and they were just having normal conversation
Vijay:: Pooja beta I didn't know you were interested in finance and accounting I know you majored in Psychology
P:: actually dad I was interested in psychology but always loved numbers. In fact I would often help my friends who were doing finance.
Vijay:: then I'll have to ask your dad to let me have my daughter in law join my business
Nandini:: Mark was telling me the other day that you worked with him for few days and he was super impressed with you and it's not easy to get appreciation from Mark when it comes to numbers.
Vijay:: that's true he is no doubt the beast of numbers. You can't tell talking to him but he is a genius and infact he told me that I should ask you to work with us.
P:: no dad I'm good with hotels and food, your company is way too big for me.
Dadi:: Pooja what do you mean by that? Dev inherited everything that's why he is handling this business he didn't make this empire himself. But you know why we have Mark not because he is family but because of his skills, talent and his hard work. If Vijay said something that's because of your talent so don't ever say such things.
Vijay:: what's wrong Pooja is everything alright? Did Dev tell you not to join us?
P:: no no dad he doesn't even know that I've been working with Mark.
Vijay:: then it's time he should know.
P:: I guess for now let me just understand things with Mark and then may be we can think about it
Vijay:: that sounds good and I'm glad you want to learn more. Pooja is everything alright with you beta?
P:: yes dad everything is fine
Vijay:: I don't know why I feel something is bothering you.
Later that day Pooja texted Dev asking if he reached safely all he wrote was a YES, again she texted at night if everything is fine he wrote he is busy. Next day he didn't bother replying to her so she called Mark as he went with Dev and he said everything was fine the problem was solved and now they just have to wait for FDA approval which is coming in Two days. Tomorrow they have some formalities and will land at 1:50am. Next day Pooja called Dev answered the phone and told her he is busy will call later and ofcourse he never called and then five and half hour flight from California to New York. It was almost 3 in the morning he reached and Pooja fell asleep while waiting, Dev came in, he didn't wake her up, he washed up and went to sleep. Pooja woke up and when she saw him sleeping next to him she was very excited, she forgot about everything, she kissed Dev gently.
D:: what's wrong with you Pooja? I came back home so late can I please sleep?
P:: I'm sorry Dev I was just excited to see you
D:: really? But then you were sleeping when I came, weren't you excited last night?
P:: I'm sorry Dev I was waiting for you but I don't know when I fell asleep. Actually Mark gave me something to work on and I was doing that and just got tired.
D:: I don't know what the hell Mark keeps doing. Anyway now that you woke me up I'll get ready and have breakfast with the family.
As they are all having breakfast Dev and Mark were discussing something important Pooja didn't realize
P:: Mark I checked that data we need to make some changes and corrections I highlighted everything, I'll mail it to you. Just have a look and let me know.
D:: Pooja I'm discussing about billion dollar project can you please keep your silly business to yourself now. I can't handle any distraction now I'm already stressed and I've never been so stressed in my entire life. May be you don't realize my everything is at stake.
Vijay:: Dev what's wrong with you? Is that how you talk to your wife?
D:: dad I'm sorry I didn't mean to come across as a rude person but I don't like any intrusion in my business now. She needs to understand I'm stressed and I can't stop everything for her all the time.
Vijay:: Dev!!😠😠
P:: dad don't worry, I'm sorry it's my fault I really didn't realize. Actually I've never been into such stressful situation so I guess I can't understand and Dev's job is not as easy as mine his business is complicated.
Anyway I'm getting late for work I have some meetings. I'll take your leave.
Everyone was upset with Dev's behavior it was so not him, what has gone wrong with him no one could understand. Even Dev didn't realize he was behaving like a jerk. Mark was so upset with Dev that he didn't even bother telling him that Pooja was taking his extra work load even though she had her own hotel project. All he said to Dev was he was being an idiot.
Dev was handling a project which was few billion dollar project some new vaccine for HIV, he was stressed because he almost lost the deal to some Chinese company. He didn't realize he was being weird towards the person he loves the most due to stress. May be it's a built up stress as too many things happened in Dev's life recently that he came to a saturation point that he was acting so different which was unlike him.
Later in the evening Pooja tried calling Dev but he didn't answer the phone as he was in a meeting so Pooja called his mom and told her she was going to her mom's place and will stay there tonight. Nandini didn't stop her because she knew Pooja was upset and she was right.
Dev came back home and didn't see Pooja
During dinner::
D:: what's wrong with Pooja where is she?
Nandini:: you didn't talk to her? I thought you did, she went to her mom's and she will stay there tonight.
D:: seriously? She didn't tell me anything.
Nandini:: she said she called you and you didn't answer that's why she called me to let me know that she won't come.
D:: this is great I come back after two days and she goes to stay at her mom's
Dadi:: Dev what's wrong with you, why are you behaving like this? I've been noticing you are acting like a jerk with Pooja. Just because she is a nice girl she is not complaining. You are lucky that she tolerates your insensitive and crappy behavior. Girls nowadays don't take crap from anyone
D:: dadi what do you mean by that? What have I done to her? Have I not taken care of her? Or love her? And nowadays everyone finds fault in me and she has become more important for everyone as if I'm not the son.
Nandini:: Dev what are you saying? You are acting like some 4 year old jealous kid. She is your wife she is family not an outsider.
D:: why should I be jealous of my own wife but I'm just saying you guys always feel I'm the wrong one.
He didn't even eat properly and went back to his room.
He called Pooja and she was so happy that she answered the phone before it could even ring
P:: hello Dev
D:: so you are staying there and you didn't even bother telling me
P:: Dev I called you
D:: you could text me
P:: I told your mom
D:: like seriously I'm stressing my ass off because of my project and then do I really have to worry that why my wife is not at home?
P:: I'm sorry Dev.... don't worry about me I'll stay here for few days and I hope your project gets a clean chit. So you can be stress free and till then I won't be there to distract you or disturb you while you work. Anyway get some rest good night
D:: when are you coming back?
P:: Dev I just told you, I don't want to disturb you in your business so finish what you have to do
D:: my work is done. Now I just have to wait till day after tomorrow.
P:: ok great!! Good night Dev
Next day Pooja didn't call or text, in the evening Dev texted her
Do you want me to pick you up tonight?
Pooja replied::no! I'm staying here.
Next day Dev's vaccine gets FDA approval and Dev has finally got his work done.
Atlast he can breathe because a lot of things were at stake, he has been working on it from quite some time and the pressure was building up and then he went through so many things in the family everything made him so mentally stressed that he kept on taking his frustration out on the person who he loves the most. Even though he was being weird he didn't want Pooja to go away from him, infact he became more possessive about her as if he owned her.
Dev called Pooja asking her when is she coming back and she said soon. Dev was not able to understand why is she being stubborn. But he thought may be she wants to spend time with family. He just didn't realize he has hurt Pooja's feelings many times. Next few days Pooja wasn't even answering his calls. Now Dev knew something is not right he was missing Pooja a lot, he couldn't sleep but atlast Dev went to his mom and she told him how mean and rude he was. Dev couldn't believe that he was being such a jerk.
Dev went to Pooja's office
P:: Dev you here ?
D:: I'm here to take you home, you know I don't like staying far from you for long,
P:: I'm not away from you Dev
Dev goes and hugs her from the back
D:: but you are not home with me
P:: I was with you but you didn't want me there
D:: Pooja please I never said that. I was stressed out please understand.
P:: Dev I understood that's why I was there with you but the day you understand why I am here then I'll come back.
D:: sweetie what's wrong? What have I done? I was stressed out.
Pooja turned around gave him a tight hug and kissed him
P:: Dev I'm very Happy things worked out for you and I know you were stressed out but I think you need some time to yourself.
There should be a balance in life, sometimes we do things and we don't realize that may be we are hurting those we love and then we come back trying to justify our actions rather than mending it.
I won't hide or lie to you I am hurt and infact now I feel worse because you are justifying your actions rather than accepting it.
I don't like to mince my words neither I like to hide my feelings because communication is the key to any good relationship.
Dev I love you and I want to grow old with you but with respect and I can't let u humiliate me because that's not acceptable.
D:: sweetie you can punish me do whatever. I need you with me.
P:: Dev I don't mind babying you around in fact I love doing it and will continue doing it but I'm your wife and as a husband you need to know how to treat your wife. I want you to understand it on your own I'm not your teacher I'm your wife and I think I can expect this much from you.
D:: Pooja pls don't do this to me I need you and you know I was stressed I was going crazy
P:: Dev that doesn't give you the right to insult me or humiliate me. Stop justifying your actions we both are stressed we both have issues the way it doesn't give me the right to insult you same way it's for you. There's no difference between a man and a woman's rights and you should know that.
D:: Pooja please I never did anything purposely I don't even know what I did.
P:: that's why I want you to go home take some time off
D:: you will come back tomorrow?
P:: Dev get some rest. Go home!! I won't come now. I need some time
D:: Pooja !!!! Please!! (He hugs her almost not believing what she said)
P:: Dev I just want our relationship to have a balance, we should have respect for each other, marriage is a whole life deal it's not only about today or tomorrow. Go home bubu.... I'm hoping my Dev will come soon.
Dev had no choice but to come home alone. He was hurt, he was heartbroken he was lonely but most of all he was confused why Pooja wants this break. He is scared that Pooja will leave him, he can't loose Pooja he loves her way too much to loose her. But he is still not able to understand where he went wrong. He is not able to come to terms that his actions are not justifiable. He is not able to understand he cannot treat anyone badly just because his situation is not how he likes. He has no right to put his wife down just because he can. He needs to understand he shouldn't take his wife granted. He can't believe that Pooja can stay without him.
He came back home alone and when his mom saw him she knew what must've happened. She can't blame Pooja for this but yes she can help her son understand where he went wrong.
That evening it was Vijay who sat with Dev.
Vijay:: Dev!! You didn't come for dinner? Everything alright?
D:: Dad!! I'm not hungry.
Vijay:: Pooja didn't come?!
Dev hugged his dad and weeped like a little baby
D:: dad I messed up and I don't know where I am wrong. I didn't mean to hurt her. I don't know what happened I was frustrated, stressed and I don't even know what I've done. Dad she said she won't come back tomorrow. This hurts so bad...
Dad you think Pooja will leave me?
Vijay:: Dev!!! Beta Pooja loves you a lot she won't leave you for this, but yes she is hurt give her some time to heal, help her to heal rather then questioning her that why is she blaming you when she knows you were stressed.
You know what we often take our wife granted. We often feel we own them, if they say something to us we feel we can get angry with them but if we say something we expect them to understand and forget everything instead of apologizing for our mistakes. Tell me something how would you feel if I tell your mom to mind her own kitty party as she is not good enough to understand my business?
D:: why would you say that? Mom is smart enough to understand business and even if she is not we are family we can make her understand
Vijay:: you already have your answer to your question son... think of all those things you have said to Pooja and think how would you feel if I say that to your mom or your Jiju says such things to Disha how would you feel...
Dev just covered his face, he is ashamed of what he did.
D:: dad you think Pooja will forgive me?
Vijay:: if you apologize from your heart I'm sure she will.
D:: I don't know how did I do this? I feel like some cheap male chauvinist a$$ hole
Vijay:: don't be so harsh on your self I'm sure even Pooja wouldn't want that.
Next day Dev called Pooja but she didn't answer, he called her few times but she didn't answer. He texted her but she didn't reply. That day passed again next day in the office Dev is not being himself, he is lost. He was going through some data and asked Mark to send some numbers and mark forwarded Pooja's data. When Dev saw it he asked Mark what's all this going on and when he found out what Pooja was working on he felt worse. Again he tried calling Pooja she didn't answer. But this time Pooja texted him "Dev give yourself a break and give me some time to come to terms with everything you said"
Dev replies back:: Pooja I don't want to force you to come back neither I have any reason to justify my actions because it was stupid of me to even try to justify. I just want to say sorry.
Pooja did not reply anything.
Two more days went by Dev didn't hear anything from Pooja. Ofcourse now Dev's family was getting worried as he looked pale and sick. He wasn't even eating properly but they didn't want to force Pooja because they knew how hurt Pooja was, they were in a fix they didn't know which way to go coz they wanted to be fair to both. They didn't know how to face Pooja's parents neither they had any idea what Pooja told them. Also they wanted Dev to handle this situation himself but Dev wasn't taking care of himself. He has always been like this, he stops eating when he is stressed and ends up being sick.
It's almost a week now and it seems Dev has fever, he went to office, his secretary Colleen looked at him and asked if he was not feeling well because he really looked pale. Dev told her he was just feeling fatigue that's it. He just couldn't concentrate on anything so he left office. He went to Pooja's office, Pooja was shocked to see Dev like that.
D:: hey Pooja!! Sorry I came without calling
P:: Dev!!! What's wrong with you? Why do you look so flushed. Are you okay?
D:: Yea I'm fine don't worry. You think you have few minutes for me
P:: Dev you really don't look fine. Let me check your temperature
D:: Pooja I told you I'm fine.... I'm just little tired I had too much work and I didn't sleep that's it (he very smartly didn't let Pooja check his temperature)
Can I please say something?
P:: yes Dev you can
D:: Pooja I said this before and I'll say it again, I'm sorry for everything I said and I did. I'm ashamed of myself infact I'm not able to sleep thinking how would I react if Jiju did this to Di? I'm disgusted with myself, I feel like a male chauvinist pig. I know it's hard for you to forget all that specially when you trusted me and I insulted you. But still if you think you can find it in your heart to forgive me then I promise I'll make sure I never repeat such audacity.
P:: Dev I really feel you are not well and I think you need to go to a doctor.
D:: it's okay if you want to take time I can wait but I just wanted to tell you about my feelings. Anyway I'll go back to work I'll see you later
before Pooja could say anything he left. But in two seconds a loud sound comes, Pooja runs out and sees Dev passed out as he rolled down the stairs.
Pooja screamed seeing him like that, right away he was taken to the nearby hospital.
Dev was suffering from high fever it was not any kind of flu so possibly due to stress. He was given drip because he was dehydrated and hardly any food in his body and to add to all this he sprained his ankle and a hairline fracture in his elbow because of the fall. Dev's parents came right away and got yelled by Pooja. His parents stood there in front of Pooja like some school kids getting schooled, she was upset how come now one informed her about Dev and how he is not keeping well, she would never want him to get sick like this. After some time Dev woke up feeling little better but his body ache is killing him, he has some bruise on his body. Pooja went running towards him.
P:: Dev! Dev!! What's wrong with you? Are you crazy? Who does this? Why have you not been taking care of yourself? I'm seriously going to spank you now.
Dev was only looking at Pooja he was mesmerized, he was just happy to see Pooja he didn't care if Pooja was scolding him or yelling at him.
P:: wait till you go home I'll make sure you are punished for such behavior. Doctor said you can go home soon but 2 weeks of bed rest thanks to your fractures.
D:: Pooja I'm sorry!!
P:: bubu!! Please!!! Stop it!!
Pooja hugged Dev and told him
P:: I've forgiven you long back, now think how you are going to manage with your fractured body parts.

Now Pooja came back home with Dev, even though he was in so much pain but still couldn't stop flashing his white teeth.

We are heading towards the end of the story hope you guys are liking it. Just want to show all the shades of a married life. Pls don't forget to vote and comment ❤️