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Anu bit her tongue. Athiya was shocked and Rahul.. none knows what was going on in his mind and heart. He was just looking at the sheet.

But soon enough everyone's trance broke as Ritz came running with cleaning staff.

Ritz: Sorry woh hume laga nahi tha tum log jaldi aa jaoge

Rahul: Haan bhabhi woh traffic and media ki tension na ho iss liye jaldi free kar diya

Ritz: Tum sab kam karo. Aur thoda jaldi karna aur pochha marne ke liye jo Pani liya hai usme detol dalna mat bhulna

Helper: Jo bhabhi aap chinta mat karo. Tia bhabhi ki tabiyat jab tak theek nahi ho jati tab tak Roz detol dal ke hi pochha marenge. Baad me normal liquid dalenge aur har do din me detol se saaf karenge

Ritz: Good.

The cleaning staff quickly cleaned the room and went.

Anu: Are yeh sheet reh gayi

Rahul: It's okay bhabhi. Main.. main nikal lunga.

Anu and Ritz looked at each other first and then she nodded in yes.

Anu: Achchha Tia tum rest karo aur agar kuchh bhi chahiye ho to Rah to hai hi yaha warna mujhe ya Ritz ko bula lena okay.

Athiya nodded in yes.

Ritz and Anu left from there.

Rahul went to close the door and by the time he turned after closing it, he found Athiya was slowly going towards the bed.

Rahul: Tia stop.

Athiya looked at him

Rahul: Tia.. doctor ne mana kiya hai na abhi support ke bina chalne se. Head injury hai.. pero me thodi si weakness hai. Agar chakkar aa gaya hota ya per body weight sambhal nahi pate to? Gir jati na tum

Athiya: Lekin giri to nahi na..

Rahul took a deep breath.

Rahul: Look Tia, I was worried for you aur iss liye aisa bol raha hoon

Athiya: You don't need to Rahul. Main rakh lungi apna dhyan

Rahul: You don't say what I need to do and what not.

Athiya was about to say something but Rahul picked her up in her arms and made her lye down on the bed properly.

Athiya: Yeh sab..

Rahul: I know you don't like me touching you like this lekin aisa nahi karta agar tum apni akkal lagati thodi si.. But I forgot.. akkal to tum tab lagati na jab woh tumme hoti

Athiya looked at him with opened mouth

Athiya: Aapne mujhe kamakkal bola

Rahul: Haan bola.. Jaha pe tum khadi thi waha se bed maximum 5 kadam ki doori pe tha.. in fact jab maine bulaya tab bhi tum bed ke baju me khadi thi. Itni akkal nahi hai tumme ki jab bed ke baju me hi ho to uske uper baith jao. Baith ke bhi tum apni side sone ke liye ja sakti thi na. Lekin nahi.. madam ko to chalke hi Jana tha

Athiya made a pout.

Rahul: Had hoti hai laparwahi ki Tia. Mere liye na sahi kam se kam apne liye to inn chhoti chhoti cheezo ka dhyan rakha karo.  Bahut careless..

He said this much when his gaze again fell on the sheet.

Athiya: Lecture finish ho gaya?

Rahul didn't respond her and kept looking at the sheet. Athiya looked at him and found him lost in his thoughts. She followed his gaze and saw the sheet. She sighed.

Athiya (quite loudly): I want to sleep

It broke Rahul's trance..

Rahul: Haan?? Kya??

Athiya: I want to sleep

Rahul: Haan haan tum rest karo.

Saying so he covered her with comforter. His taunts.. her arguments everything was long forgotten.

Rahul went to other side of the bed and climbed on it. Athiya looked at him with raised eyebrows

Rahul: Woh.. yeh.. yeh sheet utar Raha tha

Athiya didn't say anything but turned to other side. Rahul took the sheet and caressed it lovingly. Athiya saw him and somewhere she felt bad for him.

Rahul went to the couch and sat on it still looking at the sheet without blinking.

Athiya covered herself completely and her tears started falling. On the other side, Rahul kept the sheet close to his heart. He lye down on the couch. Rahul and Athiya both were remembering whatever happened in the hospital.

Flashback

Athiya was still under the shock of getting to know about her and Rahul's marriage. She knew he is a nice person but wasn't he in the relationship with some Nidhi? She has heard about this from her state teammates a lot.

Rahul: Tia..

Athiya looked at him

Rahul: Ek baar pehle sab Jaan lo.. samaj lo. Baad me kuchh bhi sochna.

Rajeshwari: Tia beta.. Mahesh wanted you both to get married

Athiya: Papa..

Rajeshwari: Haan beta aur iss liye humne shaadi karwa di

Athiya: Aap Maan Gaye Rahul?

Rahul: It.. it was his.. his last.. last wish Tia..

Athiya was shocked hearing this.

Athiya (shocked): Las.. last wish.. matlab?

Rajeshwari: Tia..

Athiya: Where is he?

None said anything.

Athiya (loudly): Where is he?

Rajeshwari and Lokesh looked at each other. Rahul cleared his throat. Athiya looked at him.

Rahul: He.. he is.. he is no more Tia

Athiya was shocked hearing this.

Athiya: No..

Rahul: Yahi sach hai Tia.

Athiya (loudly): No..

Rahul: Tia.. he was..

Athiya: Maine bola na unko kuchh nahi hua

Rajeshwari: Tia.. beta.. sambhalo khud ko

Athiya (pleading): Aunty..

Lokesh took out his phone and show Athiya the pictures of her and Rahul's marriage.

Lokesh: Tia.. beta yeh dekho. Mahesh ko dekho. Uski tabiyat bahut kharab ho gayi thi iss liye sab jaldi se kiya

Athiya took the phone with shivering hands and was going through all the photos of her marriage. She knew they would not lie to her. And she also knew her father's condition was not that good. They got to know too late.

Rajeshwari was sitting beside her and was caressing her shoulder

Rajeshwari: Yeh video muh dikhai ka hai Tia.

Athiya played it and could clearly see herself when Rahul pulled up her veil. The phone slipped from her hands.

Rahul: We are married from 3 months Tia and it's been 3 months we lost Papa. Shaadi ke dusare din hi..

Athiya: No.. He.. he can't do this with me. He.. he ..

Rajeshwari: Tia calm down beta..

Rahul: Tia please sambhalo khud ko. Hum hai na tumhare sath.

Athiya (shouting): No.. no.. Papa ..

Athiya was getting hyper. Her breathing started becoming uneven. She felt a shooting pain in her head and before she could even realise she became unconscious.

Rahul (shouting): Tia..

Doctor: Aap log please bahar Jaie.

Rahul: Lekin doctor Tia..

Doctor: Aap bhi Mr Rahul please. We will take care of her. Please leave.

Lokesh took Rahul outside while the doctors handled the situation.

It was night when Rajeshwari made Athiya have some food and her meds. She stayed beside her while Rahul was just looking at her from the distance. Athiya has seen him being there for her but she was still not able to get over from the shock.

Rahul could understand her pain and lack of trust in him too but it was difficult to come in terms with all that after sharing so much of good memories with her when she has kept her full faith.. her full trust in him. She was literally holding onto him and here she is looking at him as if he is a stranger

Rajeshwari made Athiya sleep and then she went to Rahul.

Rahul: Amma aap rest karo main hoon yaha

Rajeshwari: Ruhu.. bachcha now you have some rest baba. Apna dhyan nahi rakhoge to Tia ka kaise rakh paoge batao. Chalo have some sleep now.

She sat on the couch and Rahul kept his head in her lap. He hold her one hand allowing his mother to know he was still scared. Rajeshwari controlled her own tears and kept her composure while she made her son sleep.

It was in the morning when Rahul woke up. He saw Rajeshwari has gone to home as Virat has come with his clothes to change and Anu has come if Athiya needs any help.

Virat: Good morning Rah. Go and Freshen up. Phir kuchh kha lo okay chalo go.

Rahul nodded in yes and went to get freshen up. Athiya woke up and she was able to hear people were talking in low voices. She focused more and listened to their talks.

Virat: I am scared for Rah Nushkie

Anu: I know Vi and I understand. Apne pyaar ko sahi se Jiya bhi nahi tha dono ne ki yeh sab ho gaya

Athiya (in mind): Pyaar??

Virat: Rah ka pata hai na woh express nahi kar pata bol ke. Lekin uske actions.. aur khas karke uski ankhe sab bayaan kar dete hai. He has fallen for his wife.. he is madly in love with Tia aur ab yeh sab..

Athiya (in mind): Pyaar?? Mujse??

Anu: Lekin Tia ke liye bhi yeh sab asaan nahi hai Vi. Aise kaise woh kuchh bhi man le. Rah ko Tia ka bharosa phir se jitna hoga. There is no other option

Virat: I know but.. I just hope inn sab me woh apna dhyan rakhna na bhul jaye. Itne time se yahi hai ek baar bhi ghar nahi gaya na theek se soya hai. Bas Sara din Tia ka hath pakad ke baitha rehta hain. Everything has already affected him a lot Nushkie. Aur phir ab yeh sab. Agar sab jaldi sahi nahi hua na to kahi hum uske chehre ki hasi na kho de.

Anu: Aisa kuchh nahi hoga Vi. Have faith hmm..

Virat nodded in yes.

Virat: I just wish Tia jaldi se ghar aa jaye. I can't see my Twinnie.. my little sister like this.

Anu: Everything will be fine okay. Calm down. Hume himmat nahi harni hai. Rah aur Tia dono ko hamari zarurat hai

Virat nodded in yes and took a deep breath. Rahul came out of the washroom and sat beside Virat. Athiya opened her eyes slowly adjusting to the lights. Anu saw her and went to her.

Anu: Good morning Tia.. Anushka here. Tumhare favorite Cricketer ki wife. Aur hum log na sath me hi rehte hai Mumbai me.

Athiya gave a small smile.

Anu: I understand ajeeb lag raha hoga lekin don't take much stress okay.

Athiya nodded in yes.

Anu: Let me help you to the washroom. Abhi doctor ne mana kiya hai na akele sab manage karne se. Come.

She helped her in getting up and took her to washroom.

Anu: I am here only. Kuch bhi chahiye ho to bolna.

Athiya: Apne itna kiya wahi bahut hai. Thank you so much

Anu: Pagal. Apno ko bhi koi thank you bolta hai kya? Hamare liye jaise Rah hai waise tum ho.

Athiya smiled and went inside the washroom and got freshen up. Anu helped her in sitting on the bed. Rahul has already set the bed at the perfect angle and has also done the bedding.

Anu helped Athiya in having her breakfast while Virat made sure Rahul ate some food. Though Athiya was noticing everything from the corner of her eye and Anu too noticed it. She knew her ladla dever will earn the trust of his wife once again

Virushka have left now and RahIya were alone in the room. The nurse came for the dressing and Rahul went out without even asking as according to the rules he was allowed being her husband but firstly they both were not that close and secondly Athiya is not trusting him fully as of now.

Rahul came inside and passed medicine to Athiya. She took it without saying anything. There was an usual silence between them

Athiya on the other side was totally on self defence mode. She wanted to protect herself from everyone as according to her, none is there for her on this earth and when it comes to Rahul and his family, she didn't want to become a burden on them.

Rahul was getting what she must be thinking and it was irritating him a lot.

Rahul: Can you please stop overthinking?

Athiya: I am not overthinking..

Though she said it with a pout but her startled face was betraying what she was saying.

Rahul: Yeah right.. At least not lie Tia

Athiya looked at other side

Rahul sighed.

Rahul (softly): Tia..

Athiya frowned at his ever so soft tone and looked at him

Rahul: Tia.. I understand tumhe thoda uncomfortable feel ho raha hoga. Aise achanak se agar kisi ko bhi pata chale ki uski shadi ho chuki hai to ajeeb hi lagta hai aur uncomfortable bhi. But you can trust me with this. Our families have been soo close. I have always considered you as one of my friends even though we were not in touch. Please don't create these walls which you are creating right now.. or at least allow me to be part of the world you are creating behind those walls.

Athiya's stern expressions changed. A flicker of softness and fondness came on her face but she quickly masked them. Rahul noticed it.

Rahul: Tia.. I'll tell you everything jo kuchh bhi hua hai detail me lekin please don't stress yourself with anything. Abhi rest karo okay.

Saying so he was gonna help her by holding her but she leaned back. Rahul rolled his eyes

Rahul: Karo khud se.

Athiya was about to take support from her hands but realised her hands too were having injuries and she was not allowed to put pressure.

Rahul: Mil gaya chen.. ho gayi tasalli. Now let me help you.. idiot

Athiya looked at him with opened mouth

Athiya: You called me idiot

Rahul: Haan because you are. Now sleep chalo.

He helped her in adjusting on the bed and then levelled her bed. Athiya too slept in a while due to meds. Rahul sat on the couch readying himself to stay at a distance and not trouble her more.

One by one everyone came to meet Athiya on that day during the entire day and she asked them about her relationship with them as well as what do they think about her and Rahul.

Athiya got to know that they were actually very much closer to each other. She also understood why Rahul was behaving more authoritatively with her but what do she do when she herself has her own demons right now as she doesn't remember anything. Though she knew none was telling a lie but she was not ready to accept all these things

On the other side, everyone has informed Rahul about the inquiry Athiya was doing and they all were hopeful about her behaving normally with Rahul but he knew it was not easy. He himself has gone through sort of the similar feelings when he got married at the time when he was not ready for any relationship.

At the night, It was Rahul who made Athiya ate some food as Rajeshwari couldn't come and the ladies were with the kids. Athiya too asked Rajeshwari to have some rest as she was feeling better. Athiya had her meds and slept.

Once sure that Athiya was in deep sleep, Rahul sat beside her head on the bed and caressed her hair which were now fully visible after her bandage was reduced from all wrapped up on his head to only wrapped around her forehead

Rahul: Theek ho jao Tia. I can't see you like this. It is breaking me a lot. Please sambhal lo na apne Rah ko.

Tears fell from his eyes but he quickly wiped them. He took some deep breaths and composed himself. He just kept caressing her hair while sitting there beside her.

On the next day when Athiya woke up, she found Rahul's one hand on her forehead and he was sitting beside her head keeping his head at the support of the wall. He was looking so exhausted and quite pale. She has never seen him going home infact everyone was almost asko him to at least go home in a day for few hours but he always denied. She has seen him taking care of her.. even if it's a tiny thing but he was there to help her with.. that too most of the time understanding what was going inside her mind.

Rahul stirred in his sleep and opened his eyes and found Athiya was looking at him.

Rahul: What??

It broke Athiya's trance

Athiya: Subah uth ke good morning bolte hai

Rahul: Good morning Tia

Athiya: Good morning

Rahul: Come let me drop you till the washroom

He helped her to the washroom and she got freshen up and then he again helped her in sitting back on the bed. Anu came there with breakfast and Rahul went to get freshen up. When he came back, Athiya was almost done with her breakfast. He looked at her with raised eyebrows to which she averted her gaze.

Anu: Rah.. chalo breakfast kar lo. Aise bhukhe pet nahi rehte na. Come

Rahul has his breakfast and then Anu too left from there.

Rahul looked at Athiya who has even taken her meds.

Rahul: Kya chahiye?

Athiya: Haan kya?

She asked if acting like she doesn't understand what he was saying

Rahul: Stop acting. You can't lie to me. Waise even I can't lie to you. It's been one of our things.

Athiya looked at him hearing the last line.

Athiya: Hamara rishta kaisa tha Rahul?

Rahul was quite startled though he was expecting this question but not in the hospital. He went to door and closed it from inside.

Rahul then came to Athiya and sat beside her on the bed.

Rahul: I know you are not much comfortable as of now but can I hold your hand? While telling you everything please..

Athiya though was reluctant but nodded in yes

Rahul: I didn't know about Papa's illness. Ek din achanak se call aya aur Appa ne bola Kannaur jana hoga. I was at home only in Bangalore to main bhi gaya unke sath. He didn't ask me to come but I went with him. Waha Jake dekha to Papa was too weak and..

Tears fell from Athiya's eyes. Rahul took a deep breath.

Rahul: Very much ill. He asked me whether I would take care of you or not so I said yes. Lekin mujhe baad me pata chala ki he wants me to get married to you. Amma and Appa were also ready for the alliance. Eventually I agreed too and we got married. It was early morning in the next day when Papa's health deteriorated once again and we.. we.. we lost him

Rahul's hold on Athiya's hand has become tighter while saying all this. She could understand that he was even though not telling her everything but still he was telling her everything. She knew something was still inside him but he just doesn't want to share it with her right now.

Rahul: We stayed there for completing all the rituals. Phir Bangalore aaye aur waha Muh Dikhai ki rasam bhi ki and on the same day we came Mumbai kyuki meri leaves complete ho rahi thi

Rahul took a deep breath.

Rahul: We live with my team where we have owned the house together as a family.. Everyone has accepted you Tia.. We were very much closer to each other. I even know your password and my Instagram account is logged in in your phone.

Athiya: I don't like social media

Rahul: Maine banaya tha. Tumhare phone se. My phone broke so I was using your phone and phir baad me tumhara bhi bana diya. And you have even made your T20 and ODI debut for India

Athiya: What??

Rahul: Haan Tia.. You are a national level player now.

A smile came on Athiya's face.

Rahul: Tia.. I want to talk to you about some important things.. about our relationship

Athiya's smile vanished hearing this. She didn't know whether she is ready for the relationship or not. Rahul took a deep breath.

Rahul: Tia.. I won't lie to you. We.. I mean though we are married, we have not consummated till date

Athiya was surprised hearing this

Rahul: Frankly, the way we got married, at that time we were almost strangers for each other. I was not ready for any romantic relationship. Even if we didn't get married, I was in no plan to even look for a girl. But fate made us got married. And I feel it was the best decision of my life Tia.

Athiya looked at him surprisingly

Rahul: You gave me the comfort I needed in the relationship. You gave me your unconditional support.. your faith.. your trust.. you allowed me to be vulnerable in front of you.. Pata hi  nahi chala kab sirf family friend se meri special best friend aur kab meri biwi ban gayi. I started liking you Tia.. A lot.. The way A Man likes a Woman and Definitely the way A Husband likes His Wife

Athiya took her hand back.

Rahul: I know you are not ready in the same way I was not ready.. you know tumne kabhi koi shikayat nahi ki. Aaj .. aaj pata chala ki tum bhi ready nahi thi shaadi ke liye

Athiya looked at him surprisingly

Rahul: You heard that right Tia. Tumne kabhi bataya hi nahi ki tum bhi ready nahi thi.. tumhe kya takleef hai kuchh nahi bataya.. bas.. bas mujhe apne pure Dil se apna liya.

Athiya: Ho sakta hai Rahul ko hum kafi close ho ek dusare se. Lekin I.. I seriously feel jab aap kisi cheez ke liye ready nahi hote aur woh karte ho to safal nahi hota.. jaise ki hamari shaadi..

Rahul's heart skipped a beat hearing this

Athiya: I am just your responsibility Rahul. Aap mano ya na mano yahi sach hai. And It will always be like that only

Rahul remembered how he said that she is his responsibility and today he was getting the same from her.

Rahul: Tia.. I understand why and how this is coming but ek.. ek request kar sakta hoon?

Athiya nodded in yes

Rahul: Tia.. Jab tak tum mere sath comfortable nahi ho jati wapas tab tak kya sab ke samne hum normally behave kar sakte hai? Please.. Look Tia.. room me I'll not even touch you without your permission. Lekin I don't want others to know about this. Amma and Appa.. they won't be able to forgive themselves Tia agar hum dono ko khush nahi dekhenge. My teammates, they have been by us Tia jab hum dono iss naye rishte ki wajah  se khoye hue se the. They gave us the warmth we needed. They gave us the security we needed. I don't want to hurt them by letting them know about the distance we will be having from now onwards. Please..

Athiya thought for a while but then she nodded in yes.

Flashback ends--

And with that they both decided that they will behave like a normal happy couple in front of everyone but in their room, they will be strangers.. Similar to the way they were when they came home for the first time.. They were Back at Square One

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So.. that's it for this chapter. Hope you guys like it

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