I said this in the last chapter too. I'm saying this again.

Next chapter update is coming soon! On ScrollStack, it will be updated in a bunch, either on Sunday or Monday. On Wattpad, updates depend on the target I set for the chapter. And how fast you'll complete it.

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Sidharth ji remained completely composed, his face serious and unaffected by the attention. Showing no sign of the discomfort I felt. His calm demeanor and steady grip made me feel both protected and awkward, caught in the middle of this maybe unspoken care?

I was left feeling shy and flustered, unsure why this simple gesture was making me feel so self-conscious.

He guided me to the car and opened the door for me. As I settled into the passenger seat, he carefully draped the pallu over my lap, making sure it was neatly arranged.

He didn't say anything or change his expression, but his silent attention made me blush even more.

After I was settled, Sidharth Ji closed the door and walked around to the driver's side. As he started the car and we began our drive, his quiet care and the way he managed the pallu left me feeling a mix of warmth and shyness.

His actions were making me confused. And even in just twenty-four hours of marriage, I know one thing.

That my husband was a mystery of some unspoken words which I needed to solve.
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The car hummed softly as we left for my parent's house. The road stretched long, surrounded by trees that swayed gently in the afternoon breeze. My heart raced in anticipation, a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I was going home.

Mera ghar.

But not the same girl who had left it. I was a married woman now.

I glanced at Sidharth ji, sitting beside me, his strong hands gripping the steering wheel with an ease that made my chest tighten. His focus was entirely on the road ahead, his jaw set, eyes serious beneath furrowed brows. He drove with a calm intensity that left me staring.

His profile was so striking - the sharp line of his jaw, the quiet confidence in his posture. Even though we hadn't spoken much, his presence made me feel... small and fluttery.

I felt shy & nervous just being around him so naturally. My mind replayed how he had gently fixed my pallu earlier. It was such a simple gesture, but the way he did it, without a word, left me thinking about him more than I wanted to admit.

His silence, his mystery - everything about him was kaafi confusing.

I bit my lip and turned my gaze outside. The thought of seeing my parents after the wedding brought a different wave of emotions. I missed them terribly, especially my father.

He was ill, and the weight of that had been pressing on my heart since the wedding. I couldn't wait to see him to check if he was okay. But a nervous excitement still bubbled in my stomach. Going back after just a day of marriage felt strange.

I also need to talk to my brother.

My thoughts were a jumble of worry for my father and the lingering warmth from being near my new husband.

But one thought kept creeping into my mind, Will Sidharth ji come inside with me?

Will he stay at my parents' house?

I knew he respected them. I have seen him doing so, and it's one of the reasons why I respect him too, but still... we hardly knew each other. He hadn't said anything about staying.

Would he leave me there? Or stay as my husband, even for a while?

We finally stopped in front of my parent's house. I felt a little breathless, a mix of happiness and nervousness. But just as I was about to get out, Sidharth Ji's phone rang.

His deep voice cut through the quiet, commanding my attention immediately.

"Yes." His tone was firm, almost clipped, as if he didn't have time for anything unnecessary.

I couldn't hear what the person on the other end was saying, but Sidharth ji's expression remained unchanged - serious, unbothered. His hand still rested on the steering wheel, fingers tapping it absentmindedly, his thumb brushing along the edge as he listened.

I couldn't help but notice how even his simplest movements seemed so... masculine, so controlled.

"I'll be there," he said, voice low and resolute. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration for how he handled everything so calmly, almost like nothing could shake him. His voice carried a weight to it, the kind that made people listen without question.

He turned his head slightly towards me, his eyes still focused ahead.

"I'll come pick you up in the evening. Be ready." His voice deep & tone was matter-of-fact, but there was something about it that made my cheeks warm.

I nodded quickly, feeling a bit shy under his intense gaze, though he didn't hold it for long. But then, the weight of his words hit me.

Oh... he's not coming with me.

A small pang of disappointment settled in my chest. I had imagined him walking into my house with me, being there for my parents, at least for a little while.

They'll get so happy.

I know they already love him a lot. And Papa, he already used to respect him a lot. After all, he had worked as a Sidharth father's assistant for years.

I tried to push the feeling aside as I gathered my things, still flustered by his presence, by the way his voice made my heart skip.

Bas... what is happening to me?

As I stepped out of the car, the familiar sight of my childhood home welcomed me. The small, cozy house stood against the bright afternoon sky, its faded blue paint, and white trim reminding me of countless memories.

My heart swelled with nostalgia as I took in the flower pots lining the porch and the soft glow of light from within, promising warmth and comfort.

Just one day & it feels like years.

I hesitated, standing by the open door of the car, not quite knowing if I should just walk inside or wait until he drove away. I turned to look at Sidharth Ji one last time. He was adjusting his tie, his focused gaze fixed ahead as he prepared to leave.

The way he carried himself exuded strength and masculinity, drawing my eyes to the sharp contours of his face and the way his shirt clung to his broad shoulders.

As if sensing my lingering presence, he turned the car around and began to take a U-turn. My breath caught as I realized he was about to leave.

I stood their watching, I remember Maa used to stand on the door whenever my father was about to leave for work. I, too, stayed their, but then, he glanced my way, his eyes locked with mine, and I could see the blue eyes darting into mind, too.

He slowly opened his mouth a little he in a deep and authoritative voice as he said,

"Go."

My heart raced at the command in his tone. There was something undeniably magnetic about him, and I could feel the pull.

I swallowed hard, trying to shake off the strange feeling blossoming in my chest. With a slight nod, I turned toward the door of my house and rang the bell.

As the door opened, I heard the car roaring to life again, and I knew he was gone.

The sound echoed in the stillness, and soon after, my mother opened the door, her warm smile lighting up her face.

"Noor! aa gayi!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug, her arms enveloping me like a safe cocoon.

(Noor, you came!)

"Damad ji nahi aaye?" she asked, her tone teasing yet filled with curiosity.

(Son-in-law didn't came?)

I felt a slight flush creep up my cheeks at the mention of Sidharth ji.

"No, he got a call from the hospital," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant, though my heart felt heavy knowing he was gone.

"Acha koi baat nahi, chalo, andar aao!" My mother ushered me inside, her voice filled with excitement.

(Oh, it's okay, you come inside)

I stepped into the living room, the familiar scent of spices and warmth wrapping around me. The light was soft and inviting, and my eyes immediately sought out my father, who sat comfortably in his favorite armchair, his expression lighting up when he saw me.

"Beta," he said, his voice a mixture of surprise and joy, "you came !"

"Papa!" I rushed to him, kneeling beside his chair and taking his hands in mine. "How are you, Papa?" My concern flooded out, my heart squeezing at the sight of him.

"Much better, beta. Just resting," he reassured me, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"Tumhare bina ghar suna suna lagta hai, but mai bahut khush hu," he said after a moment. The wrinkles that form because of his smile caught my attention. I, too, smiled at him.

If he's happy, then I'm too.

"Main toh hamesha yahaan hoon, Papa," I assured him, taking his hand in mine. I know he respects Sidharth Ji a lot. Even before our marriage, I used to hear him praising him a lot. It's still a mystery how the heir of this big household, the elder son & first heir of that uncountable fortune, got married to me-the mere daughter of his employees.

(I'm always here, Papa)

"Apne dawai leni hai, na?"

(You took your medicine?)

"Jee, dawai toh le loonga," he said, but I could sense the fatigue behind his smile. I wanted to ease his worries, to fill the house with laughter and love.

(Yes, I'll take my medicine)

Our conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and warmth. I felt my heart relaxing at the sight of his smile. Just as I was lost in the moment, my mother interrupted,

"Chalo Noor, it's your father's sleeping time," she said, her voice suddenly serious, reminding me that it was getting late.

I stood, reluctantly leaving my father's side. As I made my way deeper into the house, I noticed my bhabhi in the kitchen, preparing lunch.

"Bhabhi!" I called, excitement bubbling in my chest. Me & my bhabhi share a great bond together. She immediately turned around & took me in a great hug.

"kaisi ho? How is bhai?"

She looked up, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I'm fine, Noorie. He's at the hospital, working late," she replied, her voice laced with pride.

I nodded, understanding the demands of his job. The family bond felt stronger as we chatted, the warmth of love surrounding me.

Next, I noticed my two younger sisters, cousin,only a couple of years younger than me, in the corner, their faces lighting up with joy when they saw me.

"Didi!" they exclaimed, rushing over to hug me tightly.

"Hey," I greeted them calmly, a soft smile on my lips as I embraced them. They were excited, their energy a stark contrast to my composed demeanor, but their joy warmed my heart.

The laughter and chatter filled the house, but my mind drifted back to Sidharth ji. The way he commanded attention with just a few words, how he seemed to carry the weight of the world with such ease.

I shook my head, trying to dismiss the thoughts. I shouldn't be thinking about him like this. He was just my husband by name, a stranger in many ways. But every detail about him, the way he moved, spoke, and even the depth of his voice, pulled at something inside me I couldn't quite grasp.

As I settled in with my family, I knew that today, my heart would be a little heavy with thoughts of a man who had, unknowingly, started to invade my mind. I tried to push those feelings away, focusing instead on the warmth of my family's love surrounding me.

But somewhere deep inside, a flicker of curiosity sparked, nudging me to explore what this new life with Sidharth ji could bring.

While enjoying lunch, my mind briefly flickered back to Sidharth. What would he think of my family? Would he find them as charming as I did? I couldn't shake the feeling that he would fit right in, but a small part of me felt anxious about that, too.

Would he remain a stranger, or would we begin to understand each other in ways that mattered.

As the evening wore on, stories and laughter echoed in the dining room, each moment etched into my memory. I realized that the love in this house was powerful, and no matter where life took me, I would always carry this warmth in my heart.
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Lunch had been quiet but comforting, the kind of simple meal that reminded me of home. My bhabhi's cooking had filled the house with familiar smells, and though I ate quietly, the love in every dish made me feel warm. Afterward, everyone retreated to their rooms.

Papa needed his rest, and the house seemed to fall into a lull, the chatter dying down to hushed tones.

I found myself sitting in the living room with Ma. She was folding some clothes, her hands working rhythmically while her gaze shifted toward me every now and then. I could feel the question hanging in the air. She wanted to know everything, and yet, there was something holding her back.

Maybe it was the worry for Papa, or maybe she didn't want to pry too much on my first day back.

"Toh beta," Ma finally broke the silence, her voice soft but laced with curiosity,

"kaise hain tere sasural wale? Sab theek hai na wahan?" She asked with genuine care, her eyes searching mine for any sign of discomfort.

(How are your in-laws? Everything fine there?)

I smiled, a little hesitant. "Ji Ma. Sab theek hain. Maa kaafi achi hain," I replied honestly, a warmth spreading in my chest as I thought of my mother-in-law.

(Yes, Maa, everything is fine. Mother in law is very good)

"Woh mujh se bahut pyar se baat krti h Jabse gayi hoon, unhone support hi kiya h. Kaafi pyaar se rakha hai unhone mujhe."

Ma's face softened, relief evident in her features. She knew I had been nervous about this new chapter in my life, and hearing that my mother-in-law had been kind seemed to put her at ease.

"Main toh keh rahi thi, tu bilkul fikar mat karna. Tere sasural wale ache hain. Aditi ji toh pehle se hi bahut acchi thi," Ma said, folding another piece of cloth, her tone lighter now.

But then came the question I had been dreading, the one I knew was coming but still wasn't ready for.

"And Sidharth ji? Woh kaise hain? Tum dono adjust ho rhe ho?"

My breath caught in my throat for a second. The truth was... complicated. We had only just been married yesterday. He hadn't been unkind, but he hadn't spoken much either.

I couldn't forget how he ignored me last night, yet I can't ignore how he supported me this morning.

There was a distance between us, one I couldn't quite understand. I know we just got married yesterday, but there is something that tells me that Sidharth Ji will remain a mystery to me.

I had married a stranger, really. He was polite, yes, some time, but he seemed so distant, lost in his own world.

What kind of man he was beyond that politeness of few words but no action... I had no idea.

I couldn't tell Ma all this. Not with Papa being ill. Not with everything they had already done for me.

I forced a smile, my voice steady,

"Haan Ma, woh bhi ache hain. Hum... bas thoda adjust kar rahe hain. Sab naya hai na."

(Yes, he's good, too. It's just that we are adjusting. It's all new, so...)

I could see the relief wash over her face. It wasn't a complete lie. He was good... in his way. Just not the way I had imagined a husband to be.

Ma reached out and gently placed her hand on mine, her voice soft yet firm.

"Beta, yeh tumhara ghar hamesha rahega, lekin ab tumhara naya ghar waha hai. Shadi ke baad ladki ka asli ghar uska sasural hi hota hai. Har rishte mein thoda samay lagta hai, aur kabhi kabhi thoda sacrifice bhi karna padta hai. Tum samajhdar ho, sab kuch theek ho jayega. Tumhe pyaar aur sabr se apna rasta banana hoga. Sidharth ji tumhare pati hain, unke saath apni zindagi jeeni hai."

["Noor, this will always be your home, but now your new home is there. After marriage, a girl's true home is her in-laws' house. Every relationship takes time, and sometimes, you have to make a few sacrifices as well. You're wise, everything will be fine. You just have to find your way with love and patience. Sidharth ji is your husband, and you have to live your life with him now."]

Her words were kind, but the meaning was loud & clear-this was my new life, and I needed to embrace it, no matter how hard it felt right now. I nodded, even though my heart still wrestled with the weight of it all.

Just as I was about to say something, Bua walked in, her expression stern as always. She wasn't one for soft words, and I braced myself for what was coming.

"Noor, yeh sab toh theek hai," she said, her voice harsher than I would've liked.

"Yeh baat samajh le, ab teri zindagi sirf sasural mein hai. Yahan toh bas mehmaan ban kar reh gayi hai tu. Tujhe toh apne Papa ki halat pata hi hai, kab tak yeh ghar tera sahara banega? Jab tujhe vida kiya tha, tabhi yeh ghar tere liye paraya ho gaya tha. Waha apne aap ko adjust nahi karegi, toh kaun karega? Yeh teri zimmedari hai, aur isse kabhi mat bhoolna."

("But remember, your life is there now. Your sasural is your home. You're just a guest here. And anyway, you understand your situation, right? Your father is sick, and this house... the moment we gave you away, it stopped being your own.")

Her words were sharp, and though I tried to keep my composure, a sting ran through me. I knew she wasn't wrong. Papa's illness,-it all loomed over me like a shadow. But hearing it out loud, in such blunt terms, made it harder to bear.

I know I shouldn't give him any pressure in this stage. Not when doctors strictly told us to treat him with utmost care. I can't just disappoint him.

Bua continued, her voice taking on a harsher edge, "Toh wahan adjust karna seekh le. Sasural ka matlab hi yeh hota hai, beta. Tumhari zindagi wahin hai ab. Aur agar koi bhi dikkat ho toh chup-chap seh lena. Apne Papa ko aur pareshaan mat karna."

("So learn to adjust there. That's what 'sasural' means, my dear. Your life is there now. And if any problems arise, bear them silently. Don't trouble your father anymore.")

The message was clear, heavier than ever. I felt her words like a firm push into a reality I wasn't quite ready for, reminding me that my role had shifted entirely.

It was no longer just about me or even my own feelings. There was an unspoken duty now, one where sacrifices and silence seemed to be the price I was expected to pay. Bua's words left no room for misunderstanding-this was my life now, whether I liked it or not.

I lowered my gaze, my hands twisting in my lap. A part of me wanted to say something, to push back against her words, but I couldn't.

She wasn't entirely wrong.

With Papa's health hanging in the balance, I couldn't afford to create more tension.

Maa shot Bua a warning glance, but she didn't intervene. She knew the situation as well as I did, and her silence was her way of agreeing, even if reluctantly.

"Ji Bua, aap sahi keh rahi hain," I said softly, my voice calm despite the turmoil inside me.

"Main apni taraf se sab kuch theek karne ki koshish kar rahi hoon."

(Yes, Bua, you are right. I'll try my best from my side)

Bua grunted, seemingly satisfied with my response. "Theek hai. Tum samajhdar ladki ho. Aur apne Papa ke liye sab karna zaroori hai."

I smiled faintly, though it didn't reach my eyes.

The conversation hung in the air, heavy and uncomfortable. I wanted to scream, to tell someone how lost I felt, how strange this new life was. But I swallowed it all, pushing it down.

I had to be strong - for Ma, for Papa, and now for this new role as a wife, however distant that title felt.

As the afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, I sat there in silence, pretending that everything was fine, even though my heart felt weighed down by expectations. I wasn't sure I could meet.
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After the conversation with Ma and Bua, I found myself sitting quietly in my room. The familiar calm of the house settled around me, but my thoughts were restless, swirling with the changes that had come into my life.

It was strange how, even with so much shifting inside me, everything here felt exactly the same. The soft sunlight still filtered through the curtains in the same gentle way, casting patterns on the walls. But now, there was this undeniable feeling that I didn't quite belong here anymore.

My place, my home, was somewhere else-Sidharth ji's house.

My new home.

As I sat there, lost in thought, the door opened, and Suhana and Ramya burst in with their usual lively energy. Both of them had always been close to me, like younger sisters, more than cousins. Suhana, full of enthusiasm as always, immediately flopped onto the bed next to me. Ramya followed, her teasing smile already lighting up her face.

"Noor di," Suhana called out, her voice full of playful mischief,

"Why are you sitting here all dulhan-like? Kuch toh share karo, come on!"

(Bride-like)

"Haan di," Ramya added with a grin, "tell us what jiju gave you on the wedding night!"

Their teasing brought an instant warmth to my cheeks. The question reminded me of the moment from this morning-how Sidharth Ji had silently knelt before me, fixing my payal. The memory of that intimate gesture was enough to make my heart flutter again.

It wasn't just the act itself-it was the way he had done it, with such quiet confidence, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Something inside me is screaming that it wasn't just about payal but some more, something deeper.

Now, sitting here, I could feel my face grow warmer unknowingly as Suhana and Ramya waited eagerly for me to answer.

"Awe, she's blushing!" Suhana nudged Ramya, who giggled.

"Haan! Matlab, jiju ne kuch special diya hai!" Ramya teased. "Come on, di, show us what jiju gave you!"

(Brother in law)

I tried to hide my smile, feeling flustered under their playful pressure. "Nahi, aisa kuch nahi hai," I said softly, though my voice betrayed the memory I was holding onto.

(No, Its nothing like that)

But they weren't giving up so easily.

"Di, please! Dikhaiye na!" Suhana pleaded, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

(Show us)

Sighing in mock defeat, I slowly lifted the edge of my saari, revealing the silver payal on my ankle. It glimmered softly in the sunlight, the tiny ghungroos making a soft sound as I moved.

"Yeh hai," I said quietly.

(This)

Suhana gasped, "Wah! Itni sundar hai!"

(Wow! It's so beautiful)

Ramya leaned in with a knowing smile, "Hmm... this looks so good!!. But kya scene tha? Jiju ne khud pehnaya kya?"

("But what a scene it was! Did brother-in-law himself make her wear it?")

I bit my lip, the blush deepening. "Pagal ho tum log," I mumbled, trying not to meet their curious gazes.

(You'll are mad)

Before they could push further, the sound of a car horn broke through the air. My heart skipped a beat. The sudden realization that Sidharth ji had arrived sent a wave of nervousness through me. I didn't need to look out the window to know it was him.

Suhana and Ramya immediately jumped up and rushed to the window, but I remained where I was, my hands twisting the edge of my saree as I tried to calm my racing thoughts. I wasn't ready to face him yet, not with my heart beating like this.

"He's here," Ramya whispered-yelled excitedly from the window, turning to look at me.

I nodded, feeling my breath catch in my throat. The thought of seeing him again, of facing him after everything that had happened, made me feel both anxious and... something else I couldn't quite name.

My mind was still adjusting to all of this. It wasn't that I regretted my choice-I had accepted this marriage with an open heart. But facing him, after the quiet moments we had shared in the morning, after what bua gave me a reality check... I wasn't sure what to expect.

"Kya soch rahi ho, di?" Suhana's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

(What are you thinking di)

I shook my head, offering them a small smile. "Kuch nahi. Bas..."

(Nothing. Just...)

"Bas kya?" Ramya pressed, nudging Suhana with a playful grin. Both of them giggled, full of excitement, as they hurried out to meet him, leaving me alone with my swirling thoughts. I took a deep breath, my fingers trembling slightly as I stood up.

(Just what?)

He was here, waiting to take me back to our new home.

From my room, I could hear the soft murmurs of voices in the living room. Sidharth ji's voice was calm, just as I had expected, though I could barely make out the words. My hands smoothed over the edge of my saree, trying to steady my nerves as I stared out at the drizzle outside.

It was raining already, just a little bit.

"Yeh baarish bhi na," I whispered to myself, my thoughts clouded with nervousness. Today had been overwhelming, but I knew I couldn't stay hidden here forever.

(This rain)

From the quiet of my room, I could hear the occasional scrape of a chair or the clink of a cup, but no loud conversation. From my experience, I found that Sidharth ji wasn't the type to indulge in long chats, and my parents, as welcoming as they were, understood his reserved nature.

They respected the silence he brought with him, filling in the gaps with small gestures rather than words.

My bhabhi's footsteps interrupted my thoughts as she entered, her eyes bright with excitement.

She smiled, glancing toward the door.

"Acha, tum yahan chhupi baithi ho? Jaake dekho na, unhone tumhe dekha bhi nahi ab tak," she teased lightly, though I knew she didn't mean to push me.

(Oh, so you're hiding here? Go and see him, he hasn't even seen you yet.)

I offered a small smile in return. "Main bas thodi der mein jaungi."

(I'll come in a few minutes)

From his behavior toward me from last night, I somewhere know he won't be as desperate as they all are thinking to see me. Taking a deep breath, I moved out. The kitchen was just in the middle of the living room where they were seated. I quietly moved down, although I knew my payal was making enough sound to let him know I was here.

I stayed in the kitchen, listening to the soft hum of their conversation, though I couldn't bring myself to join them just yet. My heart was still racing from the thought of seeing him of being in the same room again.

I busied myself with the preparations for dinner, hoping the clinking of dishes and the scent of food would calm me. My bhabhi joined me, her presence familiar and comforting.

"Chalo, Noor, jaldi karo. Dinner ready hai na?" she asked, peeking at the food on the stove.

(Okay Noor, do fast)

"Haan bhabhi, sab ready hai," I nodded, trying to focus on the task at hand. My mind, though, kept drifting back to the man sitting in the living room.

(Yes, everything is ready)

"By the way, kya Sidharth ji ko kuch khaas pasand hai meethe me?" she asked casually.

(In sweet)

I thought back to the morning to the quiet breakfast. He hadn't said much, but I had noticed.

"Mithai zyada nahi pasand karte, I think," I said softly, recalling how he had barely touched the sweet dish I made. Just a few spoons & he was done.

(He doesn't like sweet much)

"Achha? That's good to know!" she grinned, "But sab log toh dinner ke baad mithai maangte hai. Apke wale thore alag hai Noor ji"

(Yes?)
("But everyone usually asks for sweets after dinner. Yours is a bit different, Noor ji.)

We both shared a small laugh.

I peeked out into the living room, where Sidharth Ji was sitting with my parents, a polite but neutral expression on his face. As usual, he wasn't saying much, but I caught the way his eyes flickered to his watch.

"I think we should leave soon," he said, his voice steady yet deep though I noticed the way his gaze lingered on me for a moment, his eyes meeting mine across the room. My breath caught in my throat again.

For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to walk out there just yet. I stood, adjusting my saree, trying to gather my courage.

His gaze found me as I stood by the door, our eyes locking for the briefest of moments before I quickly looked away, pretending to look for glasses. I noticed his clothes have few water droplets patches, he might have gotten then while entering. His expression was as unreadable as always, his face betraying no sign of discomfort or impatience.

Before anyone could respond, my father spoke up. "Beta, please stay. It's your first visit. Stay for dinner, at least."

Sidharth ji glanced at me & then glanced at his watch, hesitation flickering across his face briefly before nodding.

"Theek hai, uncle. We'll stay."

(Okay Uncle)

The dinner table was set with all the effort and care my family could muster. I remained in the kitchen, helping my bhabhi prepare the last dishes.

"Yeh sab tumne banaya hai?" my bhabhi asked, glancing at the plates I was arranging. I know she might be surprised. Before marriage, I wasn't much into cooking.

(You made all this?)

It's not like I can't cook. It's just that I like to cook for my peace. I love cooking but not every day.

I nodded, but my mind wasn't entirely on the food. I couldn't stop thinking about Sidharth Ji sitting outside, so composed and quiet, like he belonged but didn't at the same time.

As I served him dinner, I noticed how he silently acknowledged the food with a brief glance but never said much. His plate was full of dishes. I didn't know if he preferred or not, but just as I had suspected, he didn't touch the sweet dish.

Okay!!

A soft conversation began between my father and Siddharth Ji about his father's health. His words were few, his tone calm and deep, almost like a soothing melody that wrapped around you. I found myself hanging on to his every word, not just for the meaning but for the way he delivered them-with a confidence that was magnetic.

Even though he wasn't expressive, it was clear that his responsibilities weighed on him. There was a quiet strength in the way he held himself, shoulders back and chin slightly lifted, exuding an undeniable presence that made him seem larger than life.

My parents treated him with the kind of respect reserved for someone they held in high regard, their words few and measured. Papa asked him about work, and though Sidharth ji responded politely, there was a certain distance in his answers, like he was guarding a part of himself. He never revealed too much, always keeping his thoughts close, as if he wasn't someone to let others in easily.

Ma kept glancing between us, a quiet smile on her face, but her eyes held something more. It was that unspoken expectation, the silent nudge that I should make more of an effort. As if reading her mind, she casually mentioned,

"Noor, why don't you take Sidharth ji to your room after dinner? He must be tired. Let him rest for a while."

My heart skipped a beat. I wasn't sure what to say, and for a moment, I just stood there, my mind racing. Sidharth ji didn't react outwardly, but I could feel the subtle shift in the atmosphere, the tension hovering like the storm brewing outside.

The rain had only gotten worse, and when Papa glanced out the window, he frowned.

"It's storming badly tonight. Maybe it's better you stay the night, Sidharth beta. It's not safe to drive in this weather."

At first, Sidharth ji politely declined, his voice steady and smooth like dark chocolate.

"No, Uncle. We'll be fine. I don't want to trouble you."

But the storm outside roared louder, lightning flashing through the windows, and Papa insisted once again. "Beta, it's not a problem at all. Safety first. You should stay."

Sidharth ji looked outside, the storm too fierce to ignore. After a moment, he gave a small nod, his voice still calm but accepting. "Alright, Uncle."

Ma stood up, satisfied with the decision. She turned to me and said,

"Noor, show him to your room. It's already late."

I felt my cheeks warm as I nodded and stood up, leading Sidharth ji toward my room. The clock showed it was past 11 PM, and the storm outside seemed unending. My steps were quiet, but my heart raced with every passing moment.

When we reached the room, I opened the door slowly, and as we both stepped inside, I suddenly realized-my room has only one bed with no extra furniture.

I hesitated, my eyes darting toward Sidd
harth ji. He stood just behind me, his posture relaxed yet commanding, his presence looming like a powerful wave. He glanced around the room briefly, his eyes flickering to the bed for a moment before returning to me.

The intensity in his gaze sent a shiver down my spine. There was no judgment in his expression, just that same composed calmness that made him feel both safe and dangerously alluring.

What is he even thinking?

I could feel the heat radiating from him, a magnetic pull that made it hard to think clearly. But the reality of the situation hit me all at once. The storm continued to rage outside, and here we were, in my room, with just one & only bed to share, a tight feeling gripping my chest.

One bed. Just one.

And we both had to share it tonight.

______________________________________

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