Shikha, as usual, woke up before Mohit. She gazed at him intently, her thoughts racing: Oh God, what is happening to me? This shouldn't be happening. Why am I taking so long to accept my own husband? He is so protective, caring, and loving. But what is stopping me? Why do I become so nervous when he's around? Why do I want to be with him all the time? Why does my heart race when he touches me? His touch always gives me goosebumps. Why do I want to look my best when he sees me? Why do I find him the most handsome man in the universe? I really love the way he looks at me. Do I truly love him? I need to find out. Oh God, please help me. What is wrong with me?

Snapping out of her reverie, Shikha went to the washroom. When she emerged, Mohit was nowhere to be seen. She quickly got ready and stepped out of the room, spotting Mohit near the dining table, engrossed in his mobile and pouting. Shikha found herself lost in his cuteness, smiling and staring at him unabashedly. When Mohit turned his gaze and noticed her, he snapped his fingers to bring her out of her trance.

"What?" Mohit asked, raising his eyebrows.

Shikha shook her head in embarrassment and headed to the kitchen. She started preparing breakfast while Mohit moved to the living area to read the newspaper. Shikha stole glances at him from the corner of her eye, smiling.

Soon, Mohit received a call. After ending the conversation, he approached Shikha. "Shikha, listen," he said. Shikha instinctively took a few steps back, which Mohit noticed, making a face. He thought to himself, Even after explaining so much last night, I don't know what's wrong with her.

"Okay, stop this drama and listen to me. I'm heading to the office right now; there's some urgent work. Sahil just called. I won't have time for breakfast, so you eat and take a taxi to the office today. I'll arrange a cab for you, okay?" Mohit said.

Shikha replied, "Okay, but what about breakfast?"

"There's no time for breakfast," Mohit said, marching toward the room. Shikha felt uneasy about him leaving without eating. She quickly made a few sandwiches and wrapped them in tissue paper. As Mohit emerged from the room and sat on the couch to put on his shoes, Shikha called out, "Mohit, wait."

Impatiently, Mohit said, "What now? I'm running late."

Shikha handed him a box. "Take this."

Mohit protested, "Shikha, I said there's no time for breakfast."

Shikha insisted, "I know, but these are sandwiches. I packed them so you can eat while driving. It won't take much time. Please don't refuse," she said, making a puppy face.

Mohit smiled. "Okay, I'll eat them. You eat too, okay?" With that, he left the house. Shikha watched him until he disappeared from view. Her eyes welled up with tears. She didn't understand why she felt like crying, but she felt incomplete, insecure, and disappointed with herself. Wiping her tears, she left the house without eating and took the cab Mohit had arranged for her to the office.

She was deeply disturbed and confused, yearning to understand if it was love or something else. She wanted to be sure before telling Mohit because she never wanted to give him false hopes. Yet, she missed him terribly.

Upon reaching the office, her heart was heavy with anticipation. As she climbed the stairs to Mohit's floor, she bent backward to catch a glimpse of him, but it was in vain. Disappointed, she made her way to her own floor. Her thoughts about Mohit made it impossible to concentrate on work.

At lunchtime, Shikha decided to call Mohit instead of texting him. She longed to hear his voice, but he didn't answer. Feeling dejected, she thought, He must be busy, but he could have talked to me at least once. I don't even know if he's eaten anything. She skipped lunch, her appetite lost in her worry.

In the evening, Shikha waited near the staircase as usual, hoping to see Mohit. But there was no sign of him. Just then, Piyush approached her.

"Hey Shikha, waiting for Mohit?" he asked.

"Hmmm... Where is he? I've called him so many times, but he hasn't answered," she replied, frustration evident in her voice.

"I know. Actually, there's a problem at our Bangalore plant, so he had to go there urgently. He and Samarth left today, and I'll be going tomorrow," Piyush explained.

"Bangalore? But why didn't he tell me? How could he leave like this?" Shikha's anger flared.

"He tried to call you, but your phone was busy. That's why he told me. He left in the afternoon," Piyush said.

Fuming, Shikha took out her mobile and dialed Mohit's number. Piyush noticed and said, "There's no point. Sahil has strict instructions—no personal calls until the plant's issue is resolved. He's very upset about the huge loss. Mohit said he'd call you whenever he gets a chance. Don't worry, okay?"

Holding back tears, Shikha nodded. "Hmmm... But how long will he be gone?"

"I don't know. Until everything is sorted out. Also, take your car keys. Mohit said you should drive home today. And why don't you come to my place tonight? What will you do alone?" Piyush suggested.

"No, no... I'll go to my house," Shikha insisted.

She left and went to her car. As she opened the door and sat inside, she could smell Mohit's perfume. Closing her eyes, a lone tear escaped. She started driving, her mind filled with thoughts of Mohit. His voice echoed in her ears, and all she could think about was him.

Arriving home, she remembered how Mohit used to ask her to wait near the lift while he parked the car. Today, she had to park it herself. She parked the car and approached the lift, recalling how he always apologized for making her wait. Entering her flat, she remembered how he used to throw his shoes carelessly, and when she looked at him disapprovingly, he would pick them up and put them in their proper place.

In the bedroom, she broke down, crying uncontrollably and craving his presence. She noticed the cupboard door was open and realized Mohit had come home to get his clothes and other necessities. She shut the door and saw a note written by Mohit. Quickly pulling it into her hands, she read:

"Hey... I'm so sorry, yaar. I had to leave without informing you. But what can I do... don't curse me, curse Sahil, okay? I know Piyush must have told you everything. I'll call you as soon as I get a chance. Take care of yourself, eat properly, and don't miss me too much. And yes, drive my car carefully. Bye... love you... Mohit."

This note made Shikha cry even harder. She hugged the note, sobbing, "Why did you leave me alone, Mohit? Why did you leave like this? How can you go away? How will I live without you?" She wiped her tears but continued to sob, feeling utterly alone.

She changed her clothes and went to the kitchen, drinking some milk. Returning to the room, she lay on Mohit's side of the bed, still crying, and eventually fell asleep hugging a pillow. The next day, she woke up missing him even more. She got ready and went to the office, heading straight to her floor where she saw Kesha.

"Shikha!" Kesha called out, catching her attention.

Kesha looked at her and smiled sympathetically. "Hi Shikha," she greeted.

"Hey," Shikha replied with a faint smile.

"Are you okay?" Kesha asked, concerned.

"Where's Piyush?" Shikha inquired.

"He's gone to Bangalore," Kesha informed her.

"Oh... Did Mohit talk to him?" Shikha asked.

"Yes, Mohit called him, but they only discussed work. It's a mess there," Kesha explained.

Shikha thought to herself, He called Piyush but not me...

"Don't worry, Shikha. He'll be back soon," Kesha reassured her.

"But he could have called me... I haven't spoken to him since yesterday," Shikha said, feeling hurt.

Kesha smiled, "Oh ho... You're missing him badly. I'm glad to see how much you both care for each other."

Shikha looked at her blankly, thinking, Did she just say I love him... really?

"Shikha, I don't know when the men will be back. So, I was thinking, why don't you come to my house until they return? We could spend some time together," Kesha suggested.

Shikha smiled but declined. She wanted to stay in her own house to feel closer to Mohit. "Kesha, why don't you come to my place instead?" she proposed.

Kesha smiled, understanding her reason. "Okay, dear. You guys are madly in love with each other, I must say," she winked and patted Shikha's cheek before leaving.

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